I’m typically the kind of gal that can eat hot cereal and Greek yogurt for breakfast every morning for months. I’m so predictable that if I’m invited out for breakfast, you’d probably find me ordering the exact same thing. Lunch is the same way; I’m perfectly happy with a turkey sandwich and could eat one every day for weeks on end and not get tired of it. I’m boring that way, I guess. I often wonder if other maintainers eat this way.
Over the past several weeks I’ve been trying new-to-me foods like a crazy person. Or, more realistically, like a normal person that appreciates a little variety in the things she eats. I decided to condense everything down to the best new food finds and share them with you this week.
I should mention that my decision to experiment with all of these new foods began a few weeks ago with my excitement over catching this sign out of the corner of my eye while driving through town:
I can’t tell you how excited I was to learn that my town is FINALLY opening a Whole Foods Grocery Store. We have very little choices around here other than a couple of mainstream big-named giants, so this is my present all wrapped in brick-and-mortar. They expect to open sometime this Fall.
I had to share the big news of our new store and eagerly bragged about it while posting a comment over at LauraLivesLife. Several days later I received a package on my front porch from Whole Foods. After my immediate confusion (did I order something and forget?) then kid-at-Christmas excitement (this box is so hard to open – why is there so much tape?!), I found these:
Laura was kind enough to give me a head-start on the Whole Foods experience by sending some of her favorite things. The best part of my goodie box was that if I’d come across any of these items on my own while shopping in the store I wouldn’t have ever thought of placing them in my basket. It was then I realized that I have another comfort-zone issue that needs dealt with, and that issue has a name: NFFS, or New-Food-Fear Syndrome. (I thought it would look more menacing if I made it scary large! Did it work?) lol
Because of my feelings of inadequacy around the kitchen, I tend to buy what I know unless I’m specifically looking for something in particular. Unfamiliar foods intimidate me. So, I decided to begin my recovery program immediately and start behaving a bit more daring around the kitchen. Laura’s thoughtful gift was a perfect way to begin.
I was thrilled – and a bit hesitant. What does one do with a mung bean?
Luckily, there were recipe cards (whew!) and here is the first one I used – with most of the ingredients already from my package. Oh, if all cooking could be that simple.
1/2 cup truRoots Organic Quinoa
1/2 cup truRoots Sprouted Mung Beans
1 bunch of kale, steamed
Grilled chicken, salmon or tofu (optional)
1 avocado
Cook quinoa and mung beams according to package directions. Divide quinoa evenly into 2 bowls and top with mung beans, kale and chicken (what I used). Garnish with avocado and serve at the table with liquid aminos, organic sprinkle seasoning, and lemon wedges.
The kale was the only thing I had to buy at the store. Everything else I already had, and this new and unfamiliar concoction was really delicious. Oh, and fyi – mung beans have just the right amount of texture; almost crunchy but not quite, and is a great compliment to the softer quinoa. The Bragg Liquid Aminos and the Organic Sprinkle are going to become staples in my cupboard. The Liquid Aminos is a fantastic alternative to soy sauce and I have used it on vegetables, meat, on rice and tofu. One half a teaspoon has 0 calories, is gluten free and has no preservatives. The Organic Sprinkle is like an herb garden in a jar; it contains 24 herbs and spices including rosemary, onion, garlic, thyme and basil. Thanks to Laura, I will now be able to walk into Whole Foods with a small but solid grocery list.
Does anyone else shop at Whole Foods? Even though the Grand Opening is a few months away, it’s never to early to start a grocery list. Anything I should add to mine?
Mung beans!? Never tried those. I shop there for a few things but not routinely. I find them to be kinda pricey. They do carry that tea though!
I’d never heard of a mung bean, either. Even more surprised that my husband actually liked them!
I’m like you–same breakfast every morning… when I try to make a change I always wonder why I did, because my breakfast is perfect for me. I only have about three lunch that I alternate. Dinner–a bit more variety–but I have a Monday dinner–a Tuesday dinner—and so on. It makes shopping easier. Of course special occasions are different.
I wish we did have a Whole Foods, but I occasionally go to the Twin Cities to shop, so Whole Foods is one of my stops.
But they are a bit pricey!!
I have never used Mung beans, but the Bragg’s Aminos is great! I often use it as a substitute for soy sauce. Have a great week!
Hmm….that seems to be the consensus about WF from what I’m reading. I’ve never been in one before but am so desperate for alternative places to shop – at least I’ll be able to get my Bragg’s there!
We don’t have a Whole Foods in our town, but when I do get to one, its the Bakery Dept that I am drawn to, like a moth to a flame. Ack. Just warning you!
Thanks for the warning, Debby. That gives me plenty of time to prepare myself. If it’s that good, it will certainly be a challenge.
I used to be quite an adventurous eater but I have gotten into SUCH a rut food-wise and tend to eat the same things every day too…but every once in a while I am inspired. In fact, the recipe you shared inspires me
The closest Whole Foods is about an hour away and I’ve been there a few times. We do have a food co-op and a “health and natural food store” both of which carry local produce and meat, as well as a lot of the same things Whole Foods does (but not in that Whole Foods/Disney-like environment).
I think that is fantastic. I should look into this whole co-op thing. I don’t believe we have one here locally and conveniently. I’ve never heard or seen anything about it before. Would be a great alternative.
I tend to keep to the same set of meals day after day. I think it helps keep me from thinking about food too much, which I believe, for me, has helped me to lose the weight. Whole Foods? It’s my temple! LOL. While it does tend to be more expensive than a regular grocery store, I’ve found that the quality of the food I buy is significantly better. Overall, I’m actually spending less on food since I don’t really eat out any more, so shopping there (mostly) since I began changing my diet has resulted in savings. Trader Joe’s just announced last month that it will be opening a store in my city soon. Now life will be perfect. : )
Oh, you ARE a lucky girl!! lol
Trader Joe’s has passed on our city many times over. They say we are not large enough to have one of their stores. That’s why I was so stunned to see WF coming here. Out of the stores we currently have, there is really only one that I wouldn’t hesitate purchasing fresh fruit and vegetables. The rest of the stores – their produce always looks terrible.
Liquid aminos are great, I can’t find them in my new city. I loved their meat and seafood selections – being able to buy just enough for one person is always great. And the bulk bins! I would get unsweetened shredded coconut and nuts for overnight oats, one tablespoon of each – just enough for my recipe, no need to buy a huge bag of both of them! *sigh* I miss Whole Foods!
Oh, the BULK section!! I forgot reading about that somewhere. That will be a great reason all by itself to go in. Do you know that there is not one single place to find unsweetened coconut in this town? I’ve looked everywhere. I had to resort to buying it online.
I have a total phobia about trying new foods too – especially if I don’t know the nutrition behind it! Thanks for giving it a try and I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Laura, I absolutely loved it. I felt like a pioneer! lol
Thinking of me was the greatest part of your gift, really. (although, I wouldn’t give the Bragg’s back for anything!)
I don’t have a Whole Foods, but our local health food place is opening a new giant store in our tiny downtown and I am SO excited. Really, too excited. Tone it down there Munchberry.
I have not tried dried sprouted mung beans but used to eat them fresh. On salads or out of hand. I buy the same quinoa and think it is great quality. I get it at Costco – giant bag. YUM. Love quinoa (it is a complete protein source). I wanna know about the Bragg items. I have seen them before and have been intrigued.
High five for trying something new. Things. And for having such an awesome friend.
What are trying new next?
Tomorrow I’ll be combining a couple of new things to me. Nothing as exciting as what I posted here, but still worth mentioning
The Bragg’s really is a great staple to have around – they are so versatile! You can literally put them on just about anything and the Aminos tastes very similar to soy sauce – it packs a punch of flavor in just one or two sprays.
Tease!
Soy sauce huh? Curiosity ever so piqued. I could use some acid. No. Not lysergic!
I have lots of ideas for you. This is the f irst time ive read on myphone! I can’t keep writing. Xoxo
I envy you – wish I were more-stuck in my healthy-habits “ruts”, but alas, I get so easily bored w/my AM protein shake routine!
(& ground flaxseed tastes purely of sawdust to me!)
You’ll be so proud of me, however – I managed to download a video clip of the poultry from my iPhone!
I absolutely loved, loved your chickens, Val! One day, I’m going to get some. In fact, I just checked out a book on chicken coops from the library.
A protein shake probably would make me want to change things up a bit. There is something so unsatisfying to me about not being able to chew my food, but I hear those shakes are so incredibly healthy – I should be trying more of those.
I tend to eat the same things over and over, too. I like them, plus they’re easy and budget-friendly. Experimenting from time to time is fun, too.
I’m not much of a WF person. I like their bulk bins (especially the spices) and their 365 brands, but I can find the other things I need at Kroger at better prices.
Oh, and as Debby says, beware the bakery! LOL
We don’t have any bulk bins here in town. When I first started making my own chai tea concentrate I had to get the ingredients in bags. Didn’t care for that at all (it goes bad before you can use everything!)
If you like to use balsamic vinegar, WF has the best ever, it’s their own 365 brand. The flavor is really good and makes a really nice reduction.
Thank you, Judith! I will add that to my grocery list
I have been enjoying balsamic vinegar on asparagus (and I don’t even really like asparagus!)
We are also getting a Whole Foods this year along with a Trader Joes and Costco…..all in one year! Can hardly stand it. I like browsing at WF and finding new things. But they are a bit pricey, so only buy when it’s something really unique.
I don’t just shop at Whole Foods Market, I work there! I was obsessed with it years before applying. Whole Foods is a truly awesome company. They have an entire list of unacceptable ingredients along with tons of other high ingredient standards. There’s so many incredible things available through them, like free clean eating classes, community aid and participation, and a love of amazing food. Contrary to popular belief, they are not pricey, people just think that because they we have higher quality products available along with our own in house brand (called 365) that is just as modestly priced as anywhere else. People like to come through my lines and complain about the prices when they have a basket full of artisan cheeses and caviar. Let me know if you have any questions about it! I know all about our programs and a lot of the products, although they vary greatly depending on the region since we try to source as locally as possible. <3
I really love whole foods, but we do not have one here. There was one only a few minutes away from my house in Sarasota, and I found myself going there for no reason at all just because I enjoyed the atmosphere. I’d go and buy a few things on impulse.
On the plus side, there is an amazing grocery store called Woodman’s here that can only be found in Wisconsin. It carries just about every food item imaginable, and is very cheap. The store is also employee owned and open twenty four hours, which is nice. We do all of our shopping there, and at a nearby produce market that I love.
Still, I do miss Whole Foods. Their pre made stuff is fabulous, and the employees are always really nice. The only draw back is the exorbitantly priced items… they are kinda over priced compared to other grocery stores.
I love Whole Foods. I like to wander the aisles while my husband hovers at the beer and cheese section. If it’s around lunchtime, I’ll find him salivating at the fresh sausage case. Keeps us both busy.