Do you feel like your grocery list is practically the same every week? I know mine will always include bananas, grape tomatoes, yogurt, carrots, salad greens, sweet potatoes and almond milk. Every single week. It’s good stuff so and all, but my goodness can it lead to some food ruts.
However, lately I’ve enlisted this little tip that have kept things far more interesting.
Buy One New Fun Healthy Food Every Week.
I know, I know. I’ll wait for you to recover from having your mind blown.
You know those items that pique your interest but you never buy? Those! I can’t tell you how often I skip over some of the fun items I see in order to stick to a budget, but I’ve found that for the price of a fancy-schmancy coffee that I can often add one ‘out-there’ item into my cart and I’ve been amazed at the difference it makes in my meal time fun. My my, the things that excite me.
Por ejemplo…
Microgreens. I’ve seen these all over the menus of some of my favorite heath-focused restaurants but never buy them myself because of the $5 price tag. Isn’t it funny how much $5 seems in the grocery store, but not when you are at Starbucks?
I picked some of these up from Whole Foods and was pleasantly surprised at how long they lasted, how delicious they were and how much I enjoyed tossing something new into my salads.
Plus it made my lunchtime feel fancy, despite the shrieks and food throwing that occurs regularly at the kids’ table.
I love vendor set up days at grocery stores because it’s often when I discover new products, like these Giggle Bites.
They are in the frozen section and great for puree-lovers, but since we took the baby led weaning route, I use them alternatively as an add-in to mix into sauces or smoothies.
I’ve also picked up garlic dill pickle sauerkraut, which is fantastic, and experimented with fancy bulk salts. Sometimes it’s as simple as switching up my carb of choice.
or a new spice blend.
Though I’m tempted to go all out and buy ALL THE NEW PRODUCTS, I know the staples serve us well and one new item a week keeps things interesting and tasty without breaking the bank.
How often do you buy new/outside your norm foods/products?
Have you tried anything you love lately?
How do you keep healthy eating interesting?
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
I love microgreens too! I put them on wraps and sandwiches too, as well as salads. Yummy. When I set foot in Whole Foods, I want to try ALL the fun new (to me) products. I have to contain myself though. 🙂 One a week sounds reasonable.
Kacie says
I love this idea! I always struggle with feeling like I can’t splurge a little on something new because I don’t *need* it but you’re right…$5 extra at the grocery store is no big deal in the long run especially if it keeps me more interested in eating healthy meals at home! Something else I decided to try this week with their free trial is Cook Smarts. It’s encouraging me to try recipes I wouldn’t normally try and it’s so fun to switch it up!
Christina says
Your point about $5 seeming like a lot at the grocery store but not at Starbucks is SPOT ON! A few years ago, a very wise friend once commented how shocking it was to her that people hesitate to spend a lot of money on high quality, organic produce but think nothing of dropping $50 at a bar or restaurant in one night. It was a light bulb moment for me.
Lately I’ve been in a smoothie rut, so I’ve really enjoyed experimenting with new-to-me smoothie combos (like frozen figs!) It’s made my early mornings that much more enjoyable 🙂
Brynn says
Such a simple but great idea. It is so easy to get stuck in a food rut. Even just changing out your vegetable at dinner can help freshen up meals. Lately I have been trying new ways to prepare chicken (a staple) to keep it interesting!
Danica @ It's Progression says
This is a tip I apply often, otherwise it’s way too easy to get into a “food rut” and buy the same things every single week!
Kari says
Love this idea! I was just thinking about how we’ve had the same batch of meals for the last month and I’m so over it! I’m mostly a sucker for buying new fruits and vegetables at the farmer’s market that I’ve never eaten or used before!
Morgan @ Managing Mommyhood says
Such a great tip. There’s always things at the store I’d like to try, but I don’t justify the price because I want all the things. buying one a week makes it easier AND fun!
Parita @ myinnershakti says
The best tips are the simplest. I love what you said about spending $5 on a coffee but not on a healthy item that will last for days. Going to keep that in mind from now on!
Erin @ Her heartland Soul says
Mmm I love microgreens! I never thought to buy them though! Good idea!
Heather@hungryforbalance says
Oh my goodness, my grocery list is almost exactly the same, every week. We. Do tend to get it food ruts, but it helps us to save money. I try to see how many different meals I can come up with using the same ingredients. It is like a weirdly fun game to me.
I agree, though, that a $5 investment in something different would help break up the monotony.
Marnie @ SuperSmartMama says
Such a simple rule and yet I often forget it! I have tried some fun healthy foods that are NOT new to everyone else, but new to me, like kombucha. Great idea to go and sample the vendors offerings…for whatever reason, I always try to steer clear because I’m afraid of new things cluttering my pantry. But it doesn’t hurt to try!!
Laura @FitMamaLove says
I completely agree that changing it up helps! Funny because I just wrote a sponsored post about this last night!
Lizounette says
That fish looks great! How did you make that?
Brittany Dixon says
The fish was really simple- smothered with a spice rub then pan seared in butter. You can finish in the oven or just flip in the pan and cook until flaky. Delicious!
Albato says
Many at times when it comes to wanting to losing weight, many advises from friends, relatives and even professionals are readily given. However when taking a keen interest in the advice, one will realize that I the end all speak of eating less. In this case the best way to ensure that you are able to stick to a weight loss routine is by starting with a healthy meal planning. The meal plan should contain appetizers and snakes, as this will help keep hunger at bay between those meals.