I love working with and learning from other professionals and colleagues! Last night I enjoyed being the one taken on a grocery store tour by friend and colleague, LA based Chef Sunshine Best. I was interested in seeing the grocery store from a Chef’s perspective, especially one that has travelled the world, cooks for those who have special diet needs and loves working with a small budget! We scoured Whole Foods and using the list below, made it a goal to shop for under $30.00. We had a clipboard and pen to keep track of what we put in the basket and what our tally was. Of course, with technology, use the notepad or note section on your phone, too!
In a bind and on a budget, but need some healthy basics to keep you going? Utilize the bulk section (get the amount you NEED at that time) and create a list like this. It hits the main nutrients and has some good tips to remember!
Guideline List (and what we got in parentheses):
Keep each single item purchase under $4.99. Allow yourself 2 $4.99 gifts (or slightly above). If over $4.99, really evaluate if you need or want it!
*3 GRAINS (from bulk section, 1/2 lb each: black rice, millet)
*3 NUTS/LEGUMES our choice, if in need of poultry/eggs/fish/meat swap out 1 or 2 choices (from bulk section: 1/4 -1/2 lb each: pistachios, freshly ground almond butter, pinto beans)
*3 GREENS/VEGETABLES which can be a frozen selection, too (frozen corn and green peas)
*2 IN-SEASON FRUITS (all set at home!)
*2 IN-SEASON VEGETABLES (Kale)
*1 Dairy/Dairy Alternative: Coco Yogurt
*1 Miscellaneous: Rice Vinegar
*2 $4.99 GIFTS (Grapeseed Oil), 1/2 L Ginger tea with club soda)
*2 SNACKS (dried Seaweed snack)
*2 POST DINNER SWEETS (frozen strawberries and blueberries, 1 can Light Coconut Milk)
I love these guidelines. Also, you can shop specifically for a recipe and only get what is necessary in the right volume needed. Remember to keep track and set your budget in advance. We had to limit some of our choices to stay within budget. Give it a try and let me know how this works for you!
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