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You are here: Home / Weekend / Grocery Playground

December 7, 2008

Grocery Playground

I was just doing Organic and realized I haven’t blogged yet!!

I went to three grocery stores this morning looking for the best deals. I could have easily added 2 more to probably get ALL of them, but I was worn out!

I first went to Food Lion looking for Food Lion brand pumpkin. My mom brought some of her leftover pumpkin from her Thanksgiving pie and it was SO GOOD. She said she thought it was FL brand but ours didn’t have any but Libby’s. While there, though, I did buy some romaine for $1.79, which I knew would be cheaper than EF or TJ’s, some local kale, 2 sweet potatoes for $.19/lb (!!), some Bertolli pasta sauce I got for free with a coupon from BlogHer, and 2 cans of pineapple for $.66.

Then I made my way to Trader Joe’s. There I picked up some greek yogurt, 2 jars of pumpkin butter (my homemade kind was good, but since I still had to buy the ingredients and pumpkin is $1 at least per can, I decided $2.29 for a jar was worth the extra $1 because it’s better than mine too!), an orange, a grapefruit, carrots, cranberries, bananas and shredded cabbage.

Then I hit up EarthFare for the rest: eggs (they are cheapest there!), 2 Amy’s soups I got with a coupon to try, bell pepper, 2 HUGE cans of Libby’s pumpkin (EF is the only store to have the giant cans that I’ve seen), lime, grapes, an apple, Oikos with coupons, and EF peanut butter on sale!

I got all of that for about $40. A little higher average than the Thanksgiving Challenge weeks, but I did stock up on some stuff like PB, PB + soup that was expensive-ish. Since we barely bought anything this week, the challenge continues.

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Guess which store had the best samples!?!

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He was demoing some beef tenderloin + green beans when I arrived! I had 2 pieces and a chorizo taste from the case behind me –

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Plus a gingersnap –

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And chocolate covered peanuts! I also had a tiny round of bread, a mini coffee and 5 graham bunnies.

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When I got home at 1:30 I felt like I’d already had half of lunch, but I was still feeling a little empty so I made a voluminous salad –

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Plus a slice of toast with EF PB + TJ PB!!

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And some warmth

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While I’ve been studying I simmered some wheatberries and then some cranberry sauce. I had tastes of each. The new stove was very happy with me.

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I wanted to bake some cookies for GOTR to use the oven but honestly, Organic really needs my attention since I have 4 finals this week on Tues, Wed., Thurs. + Friday and I’m only ready for 2/4. I might try to do it tonight after dinner if I get a lot done.

One reason I am a 3-meals-a-day type is that my stomach has to be stretched to really pump out the satiety hormones (stomach distention is one of the satiety cues, I learned in Physiology last semester). Since I’ve had mini meals today, I still feel kind of hungry! I’m probably going to have a snack soon and then head to Cardio Funk at 5!

Have a wonderful relaxing Sunday evening!

Filed Under: Weekend

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Comments

  1. VeggieGirl says

    December 7, 2008 at 4:18 pm

    Fabulous groceries, meals/snacks, and cranberry sauce!!

    BAKE, BAKE!! Studying can wait 😉

    Reply
  2. Courtney says

    December 7, 2008 at 4:26 pm

    I am learning that I am a big meals type of gal as well. Especially large meals early in the day.

    Also, I agree with VeggieGirl. Why study when you could bake!?

    Reply
  3. haya says

    December 7, 2008 at 4:27 pm

    the best samples or just your favorite sample guy?? 😉

    19 cents a pound??? that is amazingly crazy. i don’t think i’ve ever seen anything *that* cheap (especially these days) especially something delicious like sweet potatoes! (it’s usually the ickier vegetables like onions and rutabagas that are super inexpensive.

    Reply
  4. Heather McD (heather eats almond butter) says

    December 7, 2008 at 4:30 pm

    “One reason I am a 3-meals-a-day type is that my stomach has to be stretched to really pump out the satiety hormones (stomach distention is one of the satiety cues, I learned in Physiology last semester).”

    I am so glad you wrote this. I tried the 5-6 mini-meals a day and was never satisfied. Now, I understand why I’m happier with 3 larger meals.

    Reply
  5. Moran says

    December 7, 2008 at 4:31 pm

    We spent over 3 hours grocery shopping at the different stores ~ Its so difficult here, but I guess that’s what a healthy competitive market is all about, right?

    Reply
  6. Cassidy says

    December 7, 2008 at 4:34 pm

    I am the opposite. I feel gross if I eat a large meal. I eat 3 small meals and 2 snacks a day.

    Reply
  7. katie says

    December 7, 2008 at 5:14 pm

    I took your Thanksgiving Challenge too! It is so much cheaper to shop at several stores with deals, but I haven’t had time this month and I’ve spent half as much in a week as I did all of Nov!

    And about the pumpkin butter; I just made some yesterday with a real pumpkin that I bought for $2.50 and it made about 10 1/2 CUPS of pumpkin butter! Way less than buying it at TJs, and much better than from canned, though it takes a little longer to bake the pumpkin.

    Reply
  8. Oh She Glows says

    December 7, 2008 at 5:19 pm

    Great job buying the deals! 🙂 It always feel so good saving money. My husband and I always think of it as a ‘game’ and it makes it more fun!

    Angela
    www.ohsheglows.com

    Reply
  9. caroline F. says

    December 7, 2008 at 5:37 pm

    Wowza, great strategy! What an interesting insight about the 3-meal-per day idea. Im a 5-6 myself, but It’s different for everybody, beautiful!
    -C

    Reply
  10. Hil says

    December 7, 2008 at 5:50 pm

    That is a beautiful, beautiful salad.

    I tend to be a four or five small meals person during week days when I am busy and under a lot of stress, but I prefer three squares on weekends. I’ve never quite understood why!

    Reply
  11. Dad says

    December 7, 2008 at 5:51 pm

    The Thanksgiving pumpkin was Libby’s brand. Food Lion doesn’t appear to carry their own brand anymore — I couldn’t find a place for it on the shelf.

    Reply
  12. Mara says

    December 7, 2008 at 5:53 pm

    What a fun day!! Gorgeous salad!

    Reply
  13. Andy says

    December 7, 2008 at 5:53 pm

    Oyyyyyyy you eat alot don’t you? Do you really need that much food? I was looking at some of your older posts, and you sure like to pack it in.
    Just an observation.
    And somehow you’ve only gained 2-ish pounds, I’m jealous.

    -Andy

    Reply
  14. Mel says

    December 7, 2008 at 6:07 pm

    Great take home Kath! I shop at a few different stores too, and even make a 20 mile trip to a store to stock up on dry goods!

    Reply
  15. Maureen says

    December 7, 2008 at 6:12 pm

    Wow, 19 cents per lb?? That’s insane. When they were 49 cents per lb a couple weeks ago, I bought TONS. 🙂 Maybe save baking for your study breaks? Good luck with the organic.

    Reply
  16. Sarah says

    December 7, 2008 at 6:29 pm

    Andy, Kath eats a lot of volume but it is low-calorie food and it is all very healthy food. If anything, she could eat more due to the amount of activity she does! I have never “defended” Kath on the blog before, but I would have very hurt feelings if I were her and read your post just because of your phrasing. I’m sure you didn’t mean to be rude. Kath, you have a slammin’ body (and don’t eat too much!)

    Reply
  17. Sarah says

    December 7, 2008 at 6:29 pm

    Andy, Kath eats a lot of volume but it is low-calorie food and it is all very healthy food. If anything, she could eat more due to the amount of activity she does! I have never “defended” Kath on the blog before, but I would have very hurt feelings if I were her and read your post just because of your phrasing. I’m sure you didn’t mean to be rude. Kath, you have a slammin’ body (and don’t eat too much!)

    Reply
  18. K says

    December 7, 2008 at 6:31 pm

    Hope you post your baking creations!

    I just noticed the new picture of you and the hubby – very cute you two!

    Reply
  19. Carol says

    December 7, 2008 at 6:41 pm

    I wish there was an EarthFare up here.
    Your salads and samples always look soooo good.

    Reply
  20. Andy says

    December 7, 2008 at 6:46 pm

    Sarah – I realize she eats low calorie things, but still, if I ate that much I would gain atleast 5 pounds, hence why I said I’m jealous. I can’t even eat Thanksgiving dinner without putting a teaspoon of things ontop of a bed of iceburg lettuce, let alone a few bites of chocolate here and there.

    Reply
  21. Shelby says

    December 7, 2008 at 7:03 pm

    Very nice groceries and eat today!
    You should bake and study later =P It might relieve some stress and relax you. It always works for me@!

    Reply
  22. Marisa says

    December 7, 2008 at 7:29 pm

    Your salad looks beautiful!
    Great job shopping – it IS work to get the good deals!

    Reply
  23. Kerry says

    December 7, 2008 at 7:42 pm

    Your Thanksgiving challenge inspired me as well to look for ways I could save, thank you! I made a dish last night that called for 5 spices that were not in my cabinet, but I bought just what I needed in the bulk spices section of Whole Foods, all for $0.61.

    Reply
  24. Kath says

    December 7, 2008 at 7:44 pm

    Dad ,
    Maybe I had just gotten used to the other pumpkin brands so the Libby’s tasted extra sweet – or mom put sugar in it (but she said she didn’t!)

    Andy,
    I agree with Sarah on the volume eating and of mostly healthy foods (thanks for sticking up for me Sarah!). Plus, I burn 400-500 calories through exercise a day, which helps tremendously to have more room for foods. And my “lose some, gain some” approach to maintenance allows me to eat a whole lot on occasion and still maintain my weight.

    Kath

    Reply
  25. M says

    December 7, 2008 at 8:02 pm

    Andy, if you can only eat tiny bits of food at a time without gaining weight you might want to have your thyroid checked. That’s not normal or healthy.

    Reply
  26. Missy (Missy Maintains) says

    December 7, 2008 at 8:11 pm

    I agree with Sarah, It’s all so healthy and you are very active so not sure what Andy is talking about. Oh well, everyone is different!

    Gingersnap cookie samples mm mmm!

    Reply
  27. kwaze says

    December 7, 2008 at 8:57 pm

    I wish I ate like Kath! I have been reading this blog for a year now and am still trying to get my nerve up to even eat the breakfast she makes. In a day, I am sure I eat as much…just in tiny increments which rarely satisfy me and just get my sweet tooth going. I also find it extremely hard to maintain my weight and can only do so by eating lettuce and egg whites for dinner….BORING! If I go out to eat it is guaranteed weight gain. Maybe I am just trying to maintain an unrealistic weight. or maybe I just need Kath and Matt cooking for me:)

    Reply
  28. Megan says

    December 7, 2008 at 9:01 pm

    Yeah for free sample and good deals! I wish I had a cardio funk class to go to!

    Reply
  29. Laura says

    December 7, 2008 at 9:01 pm

    I actually think the opposite to Andy – that you don’t eat all that much in comparison to the amount of exercise that you do! I normally eat less than you do for lunch, but probably more than you do for dinner – and I’m not nearly so impressive and dedicated on the fitness front! And I love that you mostly eat whole foods; you’re one of the few ‘healthy eating’ bloggers who doesn’t seem to eat processed bars on a daily basis. I know there’s nothing wrong with occasionally eating a chocolate bar, let alone a naturally sweetened fruit and nut bar, but I still think that unprocessed foods as far as possible is the way to go as far as everyday diet is concerned. Your posts are always a joy to read and you’re very inspiring! 🙂 (And I agree with above posters, again – you don’t eat too much!)

    Reply
  30. Kath says

    December 7, 2008 at 9:10 pm

    kwaze ,
    In a day, I am sure I eat as much…just in tiny increments which rarely satisfy me and just get my sweet tooth going.

    Maybe that’s your problem? You should try 3 big meals and see how you feel. I was scared to give up my snacks and switch to bigger meals when I first starting doing it, but I was amazed at how much more satisfied I was.

    And

    I also find it extremely hard to maintain my weight and can only do so by eating lettuce and egg whites for dinner….BORING! If I go out to eat it is guaranteed weight gain.

    What about everything inbetween!?!?! I gain weight when I eat out too, but I don’t eat lettuce and egg whites – you gotta eat restaurant flavors at home!

    Laura ,
    Thanks for your comment!

    Kath

    Reply
  31. runjess says

    December 8, 2008 at 10:20 am

    Our Sunday afternoons sound so similar! I too went grocery shopping (but did HORRIBLY with the spending), then cooked things while studying at the kitchen table (pumpkin butter and muffins).

    Reply
  32. Stephanie says

    December 8, 2008 at 11:39 am

    Kath, you’re so organized!! I would never imagine going to 3 (let alone 5!) grocery stores for the best prices! I just get the best deal at the store I happen to be in. How do you do it!? And your house is always so clean and lovely.

    Anyway, I’m glad you’ve got a stove again! Good luck with the car troubles.

    Reply
  33. Cat says

    December 8, 2008 at 1:12 pm

    Kath that is seriously the best looking salad ever!! So many pretty colors… 😀

    Reply
  34. Shelly W says

    December 9, 2008 at 5:37 pm

    Glad to know I’m not the only one who needs 3 big meals to get by! I tried the 3 small meals with snacks in between and felt hungry all the time. By the way, your cookies looked yummy!

    Reply

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