What Do We Eat?

Many people ask where I do my shopping to get the best deals on produce and other healthy items. My secret is to shop multiple locations. Also, I always make sure to check the weekly ads that come in the mail. This tells me which stores have the BEST deals. Most of the items I buy is produce that is in SEASON. Remember, if it is in season it is most likely cheaper than other produce and will taste better.

I usually do my shopping on Saturdays and in response to the many inquiries I’ve decided to inform you of which stores I shop at and what items I might get at each. Some of this changes, so keep posted as I find new items and stores to shop at. If I find any screamin’ deals, I will make sure to pass them on to you. Happy shopping!

Costco is where I do my main shopping. This is the easiest. There prices are usually the cheapest or one of the cheapest. Costco is great because they are starting to get more and more organic items. I read an article which stated that they plan on doing mostly organic. Make sure your voice is heard and let the managers of any store know you are interested in organic food.

Good Earth is the next. I get most of my organic items here. I also buy the odds and ends that I can’t get in just regular grocery stores.

Ream’s is usually where I buy items that I couldn’t get at either of the previous 2 stores. I buy my cases of oranges here. You can also purchase them at Macey’s.

Chao’s is an oriental store on University Ave. just north of Center Street in Provo. I really LOVE this store. This is where I get my seaweed which my children eat by the bagful. It is called “dried laver”. I also purchase my basil, coconuts and oriental veges here. She has pretty good prices on a lot of items you can’t get elsewhere.

The Asian Market which is on 300 South and 300 East in Provo. It is next to the Thai restaurant. I just recently found out she has DURIANS!! My favorite food in the whole wide world. She also has a lot of the items that Chao’s has. I buy mint, coconuts and cashews from her. Yum!! When you go in make sure you tell her that Rachel sent ya!

Lastly, Azure Standard Co-op! I just love being part of this because I can get so many things for cheaper. Plus, I can get my organic items in bulk like raisins, dates, tortillas and sprouted bread for my family. They have LOTS of other things I get too. Make sure you check it out. It’s a GREAT way to save money when shopping has become more expensive because of dietary changes.

Now that it is summer, I will do a lot of my shopping at the local farmers market. I will try to keep this updated as to what deals I might find at what stand. My family lives MOSTLY on fruit and greens in the summer.

Here is a list of the foods we usually buy every week. It varies as foods come in and out of season. Whatever is in season we buy the most of and eat EVERYDAY!!

Raw Items:

• Lots and Lots of organic greens. We probably go through 20 to 25 lbs. Of greens a week
• Mangos
• 2 cases of Bananas. We go through about 80 lbs.or more of bananas a week.
• Celery
• carrots
• Zucchini
• Chinese Eggplant
• Basil
• Mint
• 1 case of Coconuts
• 3 fifty sheet bags of seaweed
• 1 case of oranges. We usually buy a case of whatever citrus is in season.
• 20 lbs. of apples
• durians
• pine nuts
• almonds
• pecans
• walnuts
• cashews
• frozen fruit-mangos, blueberries, papaya, pineapple, and melon
• frozen veggies-corn, green beans, peas and veggie mix
• Olive oil
• Spices–these I buy in bulk through the co-op
• Dates
• Raisins
• Sunflower Greens
• Garlic
• Onions
• Tomatoes
• Cucumbers
• Red Bell Peppers
• Dried coconut
• Sweet Potatoes or Yams
• Avocados
• Cilantro

Usually whatever fruits and veggies are on sale is what I will buy most of during that week. Like lately melons have been on sale and my family LOVES them so that’s what we have bought ALOT of.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me.