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.
Guess which store had the best samples!?!
He was demoing some beef tenderloin + green beans when I arrived! I had 2 pieces and a chorizo taste from the case behind me –
Plus a gingersnap –
And chocolate covered peanuts! I also had a tiny round of bread, a mini coffee and 5 graham bunnies.
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 –
Plus a slice of toast with EF PB + TJ PB!!
And some warmth
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.
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!
VeggieGirl says
Fabulous groceries, meals/snacks, and cranberry sauce!!
BAKE, BAKE!! Studying can wait 😉
Courtney says
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!?
haya says
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.
Heather McD (heather eats almond butter) says
“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.
Moran says
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?
Cassidy says
I am the opposite. I feel gross if I eat a large meal. I eat 3 small meals and 2 snacks a day.
katie says
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.
Oh She Glows says
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
caroline F. says
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
Hil says
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!
Dad says
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.
Mara says
What a fun day!! Gorgeous salad!
Andy says
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
Mel says
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!
Maureen says
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.
Sarah says
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!)
Sarah says
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!)
K says
Hope you post your baking creations!
I just noticed the new picture of you and the hubby – very cute you two!
Carol says
I wish there was an EarthFare up here.
Your salads and samples always look soooo good.
Andy says
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.
Shelby says
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 [email protected]!
Marisa says
Your salad looks beautiful!
Great job shopping – it IS work to get the good deals!
Kerry says
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.
Kath says
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
M says
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.
Missy (Missy Maintains) says
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!
kwaze says
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:)
Megan says
Yeah for free sample and good deals! I wish I had a cardio funk class to go to!
Laura says
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!)
Kath says
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
runjess says
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).
Stephanie says
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.
Cat says
Kath that is seriously the best looking salad ever!! So many pretty colors… 😀
Shelly W says
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!