What are the food staples you buy at the grocery store?

24

Replies

  • evafury
    evafury Posts: 15 Member
    I always get:
    Carrots
    Grapes
    Whole Pineapple (or other in season fruit)--I cut it up at the beginning of the week and then have fresh pineapple every day with no work :)
    Reduced fat Woven wheat crackers (Triscuits)
    Low-fat string cheese
    1% milk
    plain low fat yogurt (great in place of sour cream, especially the Greek yogurt)
    Whole wheat bread
    Thin sliced turkey breast
    fresh spinach
    Mixed greens
    fresh tomatoes
    (I try to keep reduced fat balsamic vinagrette dressing on hand also as well as straight balsamic vinagrette--so much flavor and very few calories)
    Eggs
    Fiber bars and/or trail mix bars
    Almonds (unsalted)

    I think those are the basics...
  • kayl3igh88
    kayl3igh88 Posts: 428 Member
    Soya milk, wholewheat bread, fresh fish/meat/fruit/veg, crackers, tinned tuna, greek/natural yoghurt, cottage cheese (I only get that for my smoothies), sandwich thins, wraps, eggs..

    Just looking at my list shows me how much I really have changed since I started caring about my food :smokin:
  • Falling2Grace
    Falling2Grace Posts: 220 Member
    I try to eat as clean as possible, though i have to admit i will have a pizza and a coke for dinner, occasionally...but everything in moderation ;) I recommend buying fresh produce, if possible. I prefer organic if its available. It's a little more expensive, but much healthier. I think it's worth the extra change. Shopping weekly will mean less waste. If you can't do fresh, next would be frozen. Canned foods are only a last resort, for me. Finding out what is in season will help. Also, just wanted to point out, that most of the stuff you need to be healthy can be found around the edges of the store.
    Anyways, this is my list...and i just wanted to agree with PPers about Almond Milk! It is super tasty and i actually prefer it to cow milk! Plus, i personally think it's better on the body (but thats just my opinion and in no way am i suggesting it for everyone or judging anyone...im on cows milk, as a matter of fact because im a breastfeeding mom and my son has a tree nut allergy :ohwell: )

    *Carrots (fresh) ---> baby carrots AND regular carrots. I purchase the baby carrots to snack on during the week. The regular sized carrots i will chop up and freeze them, just in case i cant get to the grocery store for the week.
    *Green Beans (fresh!)
    *Peas (fresh, though you may not always be able to find them fresh if they are not in season, so may have to use frozen)
    *Broccoli (always fresh)
    *Cauliflower (always fresh)
    *Leafy Spring Greens Mix
    *Garlic
    *Onion
    *Celery
    *Peppers (yellow, red, green)
    *Peaches
    *Pineapple (fresh! I slice it and store a few slices in my fridge, the rest gets store in the freezer, then i can use that once i run out...its hard to use an entire pineapple before it goes bad!)
    *Coconut (fresh, whole...the benefits of this food is amazing, especially for metabolism!)
    *Apples
    *Plums
    *Bananas
    *Lemons
    *Pears
    *Oranges
    *Blueberries/Strawberries/Blackberries (when in season)
    *Organic Yogurt
    *Low-fat Granola
    *Organic, whole wheat bread
    *English Muffins (or bagels)
    *Breakfast Cereals
    *Cream cheese
    *Slices of American Cheese
    *0% Fat Milk (normally would be almond, but have to use cows milk)
    *Goat Milk (for the toddler)
    *Eggs
    *Cheese slices
    *Pasta

    I am a "Weekday Vegetarian" so i eat meat on the weekends. Therefore, we purchase some fish, chicken, steak, beef, and turkey. Always purchase lean cuts.
  • EDesq
    EDesq Posts: 1,527 Member
    Hey folks, I am about to do my first big shopping trip since starting MFP (I started taking this seriously in the last week of April). What do you recommend that I should pick up? I never really ate healthy before so I am kind of at a loss as to what would be best for me. Here are some things that may factor into your answer-
    1) I am a housewife so I have time to make food (any recipes you could point me to would be much appreciated).
    2) I don't own a blender but may pick one up at a later date.
    3) My husband is not on a diet but wouldn't be opposed to eating healthier.
    4) Onions and tomatoes are on my list of most hated foods.


    When eating/living... healthier, forget most of the OLD Stuff you know about nutrition AND YOUR OLD MIND Set about what You LIKE and Dislike. Tast buds CAN be re-taught (Changed.) Give yourself a chance by staying open to what may be Best Choices. REMEMBER: MODERATION NOT STARVATION!!! Plan " A Treat" "NOT A Cheat" as a regular part of your Eating Habit or you may fail. If you are going on a DIET>>>YOU WILL FAIL because you will reach a Destination THEN GO Back to BAD EATING HABITS...YOUR Husband has the Right Idea>>>Healthy Eating FOR LIFE!

    STAPLES: Whole Grain Brown Rice; Old Fashioned Oatmeal (The Kind You COOK or Micro for 5/10 min, those little packets are like eating thin white bread! NO Nutrition); Unsweetened Almond/Coconut Milk, Good Coffee and Creamer; OLIVE Oil; Minced Garlic and Granulated Garlic, Chicken; Frozen or Fresh Broccoli, Green Beans; Dry Beans; Zero Calorie Soda; Fresh Water (A Brita Water Pitcher, always full); Fresh Frozen Berries and Banana Pieces; Lactos Free Protein Powder; Various Spices and Herbs!
  • terraskye
    terraskye Posts: 370 Member
    bump
  • Falling2Grace
    Falling2Grace Posts: 220 Member
    The less processed food, the better. Initially when i joined MFP i was only about losing weight, but since i have learned a bit about food and a healthy body, i have realized its not just about calorie counting. When you eat better, you feel better! It's okay to have a fun piece of food here and there, and i agree with a PP about allowing yourself a little treat. If you dont ever give in, you will, one day, and will fail miserably with it. Give yourself room to mess up, but not so much that its going to impede your health.
  • kuregisto
    kuregisto Posts: 122 Member
    Spinach
    Cottage Cheese
    Bananas
    Quinoa
    Ground Turkey
    Salmon
    Tilapia
    Skim milk
    Popcorn (unbuttered, unsalted)
    Honey
    Oatmeal
    Chicken
  • ccmccoy09
    ccmccoy09 Posts: 284 Member
    It's awesome to see everyone's healthy food suggestions! I second (third) shopping the perimeter and planning for good, whole-food treats every now and then. Mine are popcorn with truffle oil and Parmesan cheese, and a full-fat Tillamook extra sharp cheddar quesadilla on a mini corn tortilla. :D

    However, rather than just buying everything we all say is healthy, how about planning out a healthy weekly menu you and your family will like, *then* going shopping? That will prevent you from possibly ending up with a kitchen full of healthy food you're not sure what to do with.

    Menu planning for a month is most efficient, but I can't handle that level of planning ahead so I just do the week. Pre-planning is cheaper, prevents waste, and keeps me from a 4pm OH GOD WHAT AM I MAKING FOR DINNER freakout. I like to keep the "menu" on the fridge next to the grocery shopping list so I can see it all at once.

    The staples I always have in the kitchen are dried beans & legumes, garlic, onion, sweet potatoes, brown rice, quinoa, canned tomatoes, dried mushrooms, chicken broth, light coconut milk, almond milk, egg whites, frozen meat & chicken, Laughing Cow cheese snacks, oatmeal, protein powder, almonds, lemon juice, popcorn, corn tortillas.

    For just this week's menu, I am adding Turkey Louisiana-style hot links/sausages (x2); fresh veggies and fruits; eggs; Greek yogurt; and wine to the shopping list.

    Final piece of advice: don't fall into the "LOW FAT!" "100 CALORIES!!" trap. Processed food is fine for a treat (who doesn't want cookies every now and then?) but isn't what your body needs to thrive. Focus on whole foods and you'll be just fine.
  • lee155
    lee155 Posts: 120
    Whole wheat bread,
    Almond milk unsweetened vanilla/coconut/chocolate
    almond and peanut butter, sugar free jelly
    Eggs, cheese and laughing cow cheese wedges
    Non fat Greek Yogurt
    Rice (Jasmine rice/ wild rice)
    Carrots, cabbage, sweet potato, broccoli, cauliflower, edamame
    Red and black beans, chickpeas and lentils.
    Chicken and salmon fillets
    Hummus
    Olive oil spray
    Oranges and bananas
    Oatmeal, cream of wheat, grits, kashi, steel cut oats, quinoa
  • Oplesandbanonos
    Oplesandbanonos Posts: 99 Member
    my boyfriend doesn't like to eat the same foods that i do, unless they aren't "diet" foods, but this is what i usually always get:

    unsweetened vanilla almond milk
    eggs
    frozen tilapia filets and shrimp
    chicken legs (these are cheap and you can separate and freeze them)
    tuna and chicken in a can
    Low carb tortillas (taste just like regular ones)
    peanut butter
    Ground turkey
    chicken breasts
    pork chops
    all kinds of seasonings (diet food tastes better with proper seasoning)
    green yogurt (tastes like **** unless you add other stuff to it.. i mix it with protein powder, cinnamon and pumpkin spice)
    and different veggies (my favorites are squash, zucchini, broccoli, peas, corn and green beans)
    Avacados
    sugar free jello and redi-whip


    things i don't buy at the store:
    rice, bread, junk food, processed crap, tv dinners, etc.
  • angrydolly
    angrydolly Posts: 22
    I shop weekly, usually spending about $30 a week on food for myself.

    I buy a box of healthy cereal, fresh spinach, a different type of cheese a week, snap pea crisps, and depending on what I have left from the previous week, a meat or two.

    Then, I grab one or two fruits for the week, almond milk, a fruity v8, and some tastey veggies.

    usually one or two bags of 90 second rice, and tuna fish.

    I always have bocca burgers/chicken patties on hand, fresh garlic, and lemon/lime juice.

    but my main main staple is the spinach, cereal, almond milk, and v8. The rest alternates around what I have managed to stock up on or run out of. I can ALWAYS make a salad, and I always have fresh vegetables for steaming and some sort of frozen fish, and canned tuna. I can make just about anything around it, with my stockpile of broths and sauces and seasonings.
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
    It would be easier knowing what type of diet you follow, but I'll just list things I always have on hand.

    1. Brown rice and brown/wild rice mixes
    2. Barilla plus pasta
    3. a variety of dried beans
    4. Canned beans (for when there isn't time to cook dry)
    5. Flat Out whole grain wraps (I use for sandwichs, tortillas and toast as chips)
    6. canned tuna
    7. old fashioned rolled oats
    8. quinoa - red and white
    9. a variety of frozen fish / seafood (I don't live near the ocean)
    10. frozen whole grain waffles
    11. frozen vegetables
    12. a variety of fresh vegetables - I buy what is on sale and/or looks fresh that week and plan meals around it
    13. all natural peanut butter
    14. pure maple syrup
    15. extra virgin olive oil
    16. several flavors of mustard (for making salad/sandwich dressings mostly)
    17. several flavors of vinegar (for making salad/sandwich dressings mostly)
    18. a variety of fresh and dried herbs/seasonings
    19. a variety of wines
    20. canned tomatoes and tomato sauce
    21. Rotel canned tomatoes with habanero
    22. Low sodium V-8
    23. Soy milk'
    24. Seapoint farms dry roasted edamame (lightly salted and wasabi flavored)
    25. Fountain of Health hummus
    26. Almonds - lightly salted or flavored but always have cocoa roast on hand
  • evelynfarmer
    evelynfarmer Posts: 135 Member
    BUMP
  • strawberrie_milk
    strawberrie_milk Posts: 381 Member
    Oats, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, edamame, cauliflower, broccoli, chicken breast, frozen shrimp, canned tuna, eggs, shirataki noodles
  • audreygonzy
    audreygonzy Posts: 161 Member
    Fage 0% Greek Yogurt, Chicken, Meatless Patties, Egg Whites, Almond Milk, Hummus, Mixed Berries, Spinach, Cheez-its for my unhealthy boy:)
  • MelissR75
    MelissR75 Posts: 735 Member
    -Turkey
    -chicken
    -eggs
    -oatmeal
    -Brown Rice
    -Almond Milk
    -variety of fruits and veggies
    -Low Fat cheese
    -greek yogurt
    -Peanut Butter
  • Discoveri
    Discoveri Posts: 435 Member
    Thanks! These are all excellent suggestions. :happy:
  • temp666777
    temp666777 Posts: 169
    Massive amounts of meat of every variety (land, sea, air),

    fresh vegetables (NOT including potatoes or carrots),

    berries (NO fruits other than strawberries, blackberries, etc),

    massive amounts of eggs, cheeses, FULL cream creams, FULL cream yoghourts (NO flavourings of course - greek yoghourt) and similar,

    wine galore.

    every seasoning, herb, salt, etc etc.

    If you're living the low-carbohydrate lifestyle, basically you eat like a king or queen!
  • Hezzietiger1
    Hezzietiger1 Posts: 1,256 Member
    chicken, cheese, avocado, almonds, spinach wraps, deli turkey, spinach, salad stuff, whatever type of fish is on sale, oatmeal, bottled water, and crystal light.
  • kkamin3
    kkamin3 Posts: 17
    Lots of fruits and veggies.
    Grains such as oatmeal, brown rice, wild rice, quinoa, barley, millet
    Whole Wheat Pastas of all shapes and sizes
    Salmon, Frozen, Fresh, or Vacuumed Pack (I tend to eat the serving size packets for on the run)
    Lean Meats
  • kyodi
    kyodi Posts: 376 Member
    bump for later :-)
  • alladream
    alladream Posts: 261 Member
    I'm vegetarian and tend to make a giant salad each week and a giant stew each week, and so we buy organic vegetables, organic grains like quinoa, organic flax seed since I eat them all the time like a hamster (!), vegetarian roasts or fake meats for protein (quorn roasts usually and lightlife veggie burgers), organic cheese, tomatoes, organic half and half for coffee, maybe organic ice cream, although I can go weeks without bothering with it, tofu lin which is great on its own or in cooking, organic chocolate for the freezer, and I buy greek yogurt and the daily coffee downtown each day to help support the local coffeeshops. Other than that, maybe we'll smartpuffs or pirate booty if we're in the mood for that kind of snack instead of dinner.
  • rose313
    rose313 Posts: 1,146 Member
    Almonds
    Pretzel sticks
    Unsalted dry roasted peanuts
    Raisins
    (I mix the above four together to create homemade trail mix...it fills me up for hours!)
    Kashi Go Lean cereal
    Low fat milk
    Fruit or fruit salad
    100 calorie popcorn
    Oatmeal
    Grilled chicken
    Spring mix
    Light raspberry vinaigrette dressing
    100 calorie cookies or snacks
  • kelseyhere
    kelseyhere Posts: 1,123 Member
    The first thing I consider is what's in season and what's on sale, of course this varies according to where to you live. Whatever is in season will be cheaper, fresher, and more likely to come from local sources. Then I rough out a menu for the week and buy what's on my menu. This keeps me from buying extra "snack" foods that I end up eating mindlessly.

    I start in produce... usually I get things like apples, pears, strawberries, bananas, pineapple, etc. and for veggies- a few varieties of lettuce for salads, bell peppers, tomatoes, avocados, carrots, celery, corn, squash, etc.

    Dairy... I always get non-fat milk (this is what I drink), and almond milk (for cereal or shakes), eggs, non-fat or low-fat yogurt, and cheese. I allow myself cheese in small amounts because it's delicious :)

    Meat... I read the ads beforehand to see what meat is on sale, look for recipes for sale stuff, then buy sale stuff. i.e.- pork tenderloin is on sale, that's what I get. In general though, I try and keep some lean ground turkey, chicken breasts, and fish filets in the freezer for emergencies, and a couple fresh meats when I know I'll have time to cook. I buy stuff at costco then wrap in individual freezer packs for easy access.

    Other staples I always keep around are- steel cut oats, regular oats, cans of tuna and salmon (great to throw on salads for protein), a healthy cereal (like Kashi or even Cheerios), cans of tomatoes and tomato paste, canned beans, bags of mixed frozen veggies (throw with chicken breast to make a quick stir-fry), bags of frozen berries (mix in yogurt, oatmeal, smoothies, defrost for dessert), and then frozen meats like I described above.

    I'd recommend checking out a local farmer's market too, that will give you lots of ideas for healthy foods you might not have tried. The people who staff the markets are another great resource and are always happy to share recipes.
  • graelwyn
    graelwyn Posts: 1,340 Member
    Neal's Yard Omega Seed Mix
    Pears
    Blueberries
    Apples
    Fage 0% Greek Yoghurt
    Pb2
    Salmon
    Trout
    Wholegrain Rice
    Sweet Potatoes
    Quinoa
    85% Dark Chocolate
    Cottage Cheese
    Eggs
    Spinach
    Broccoli
    Mushrooms
    Carrots
    Organix Apple Rice Cakes.
  • jching29
    jching29 Posts: 163
    We're forever picking up more lettuce and chicken breast. That's pretty much the staple food groups. Aside from that, we usually get:
    -swai (frozen)
    -fruit of some sort (usually watermelon)
    -a small bottle of milk
    -mushrooms
    -garlic
    -frozen veggies (peas, broccoli, spinach)
    -cabbage/brussels sprouts
    -yogurt
  • hiker282
    hiker282 Posts: 983 Member
    Fresh veggies, fresh fruit, meat.
  • heytherestephy
    heytherestephy Posts: 356 Member
    ALLLLLLLLLLLL THE FRUITS AND VEGGIES. legit. just anything that looks tasty that i can purchase LOL.

    plus ezekiel bread, 12-grain tortillas, avocados, frozen veggies (specifically broccoli and cauliflower mix), fish -- trout and salmon particularly. shrimp. kamut noodles.
  • foot2wood
    foot2wood Posts: 149 Member
    Agree with th others....

    Greek yoghurt (plain)
    Eggs
    Almonds (raw)
    Oats
    Organic meats and poultry
    Dried and fresh fruit
    LOADS of veg!!!
    New potatoes
    This sounds like my staples, except for the dried fruits(they contain loads of sugar) and Sweet potatoes are better than potatoes. I also buy brown rice, steel cut oats, and egg whites. If possible, try sprouted grain bread(in the organic freezer) its better than regular whole grain or wheat.
  • annahiven
    annahiven Posts: 177 Member
    I am very, very basic:

    Eggs
    Bananas
    Whole grain bread
    Greek yoghurts
    Special K protein shakes
    Peanut butter
    (White wine... heh)
    Water
    Diet green tea
    Diet peach tea
    Oatmeal
    Dried fruit mixes

    That is pretty much the staple of what I eat in the evenings.
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