Grocery Shop with Me // Oct 27, 2019.

I experimented last week with trying to buy all of our groceries at Whole Foods to see if it evened out, as it is less hassle to just shop at one store and buy everything. We spent $100 and it only lasted us 3 days, we had to go back to the store a few times during the week to get more food and ended up spending more money than normal.

So yesterday I did my typical grocery shopping at two different stores: our local farmer’s market and Trader Joe’s, and spent the same amount of money ($113 including paper towels and bath tissue) for much more food which will last us through about 5 days. Many of the meals will make multiple servings and provide leftovers as well so it might stretch further than 5 days. Mainly because I am frugal, I will continue to shop at two stores as you save much more money and are tempted less to buy random items not on your list. I also like supporting our local farmer’s market that has been around for generations so my experiment was helpful but told me what I already knew. Whole Paycheck can’t take my hard earned money!

I have created a full grocery list for you to save to your phone or print with every item I bought, the amounts and prices for what I paid living in South Florida. However, I know the hardest part is what to make with all of the ingredients, so I am going to detail out the meals I will make with this haul to give you inspiration.

MEAL IDEAS //

Dinner Meals Ideas:
Adobo Mushroom Tacos
Cauliflower Mash with Shaved Brussels (makes leftovers)
Lentil Pasta with spinach & mushrooms
Easy Lentil Soup with Kale (makes leftovers)
Greek salads with potatoes (already have)

Adobo Mushroom Taco and Easy Lentil Soup Recipes are in my Ebook

Sourdough Bread for lentil soup and/or Avocado Toast
Spinach & Bananas for Lean Green Smoothies

Snacks Ideas:
Loni Jane Rawnola / Bliss Balls (oats, coconut flakes, dates & maple syrup)
Dates with PB (already had)
Unlimited fresh fruit
Dried mango slices
Apples with PB
Smoothies

Lunch Meal Ideas:
Acai bowls with fruit (Recipe for how I make my acai is in my Ebook)
Vegan “Cobb” Salad with roasted chickpeas + beets
Easy Lentil Soup leftovers
Adobo Mushroom leftovers over salad
Broccoli & Rice (already had)

RECIPES //

Cauliflower Mash with Shaved Brussels:
Chop up the head of cauliflower and steam or boil until cooked all the way through. Mash the cauliflower with a masher or a fork and add in 1/4 – 1/2C plant milk, nutritional yeast, salt & pepper. You can blend this as well to turn it into more of a mashed potato consistency if you have the time.

The Shaved Brussels can be warmed in a large pan over medium heat with no oil until cooked all the way through and browned. Top the brussels with a No Oil Mustard Dressing:

• 1 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Honey
• 2 tsp Lemon juice

How to Make the Roasted Chickpeas for the Cobb Salad:

Drain and rinse two cans of organic chickpeas, dry with a towel. Place in a bowl and cover with the Everything Bagel Seasoning (or use garlic powder, salt & pepper). Bake at 350 for 30 mins or until browned. I kept mine in the fridge to top my salad, paired with beets, avocado, tomatoes and cucumber to make a “Cobb” salad. 

I hope that this post inspires you with meal ideas and ways to shop groceries affordably for two people eating plantbased, not perfect. Let me know any questions you have below in the comments! xx, Elizabeth