I’ve been inspired lately about groceries and suppers and tomorrow’s lunches. I’m motivated by the need for healthy eating, because we tend toward old people’s problems like diabetes.
I’m also motivated because we have quotas to meet: money, calories, and other amounts, like proteins and carbs. Every bite in the end has to mean something for good. Nothing eats up the good spaces like cheap, junk food. So, since it matters so much, let’s make it yummy and beautiful. Nice food helps. Thinking about how our plates will look helps, too.
Walmart isn’t happy for me. I don’t need the rush and the crush. Yes, I believe groceries are less expensive there. And the one stop shop idea is supposed to be handy. Yes, too handy. I think the whole set up conspires to get that cart full of more than groceries. I don’t need that.
So I decided to shop for our groceries at Market Place. From a careful list. And to slow down to stay focused. So far, as of six weeks in, I’ve spent less money and we’ve had nicer food. MP constantly runs sales on foods around the outside perimeter of its store. That’s where the good food is, anyway.
I’m more thoughtful and careful about our supper menus. We have meat and a vegetable and Elv likes sour dough bread. Leftover meat goes into his lunch for tomorrow. We’ve had salmon and ribs lately, as well. So it’s not like we’re eating only hamburgers and ground turkey for our meat.
Besides,a daughter has been talking a lot lately about healthier food for her family and while she’s telling me about her latest discoveries and good ideas, I’m paying attention.
Another player is the new toaster oven that Elv bought for me for Christmas. It’s easy to create a tasty, juicy meal of chicken breast with olive oil and seasonings. Plus I get to keep an eye on it while it browns perfectly. 165 degrees, just! So I’m learning a lot.
Did you know green peas are high in fiber? MP runs sales on frozen packs often. I can’t garden them for less, actually I probably can’t garden them.
This evening we tried quinoa and liked it. Just buttered. Plating our BBQ pork steak, green peas, and quinoa made a delicious meal for eye and palate. Then I discovered that the left over quinoa can be combined with black beans and fresh veggies for a delightful salad seasoned with chili and cumin. Olive oil and ACV. By the way, quinoa is a complete protein, who knew!
Stone House Scribblings 