Melissa Bender's Grocery List

Hi Everyone,

I was recently asked if I could share my grocery list. I have mentioned before that I try to keep healthy foods on hand at my house, because it makes eating well much easier! As graduate students Jesse and I have also had to keep foods that are both easy/quick to make, and affordable. 

Eating healthy on a budget can be a challenge, but I think Jesse and I manage to do pretty well. Of course I switch things up sometimes, but I am going to share the basic items I try to keep my house stocked with. 

I do want to say that eating organic and fresh is an excellent option, but as of right now that's not always realistic or affordable for us. I am sharing the foods that have gotten us through school, on a budget. 

I used to have a vegetable garden that I miss dearly (eggplant, tomatoes, zucchini, watermelon, fresh deliciousness!) Now that we are finished with grad school I look forward to planting again, and eating more fresh foods (Hello Farmer's Markets!!!)

Always in Our House:

Fresh Baby Spinach leaves

Small Granny Smith Apples

Red or Purple Grapes

Bananas

Broccoli (fresh or frozen steamable)

Frozen Mixed Veggies (I like the Healthy Colors Market Blend Veggies)

Frozen Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts and/or Chicken Tenders

Frozen Salmon (we also get Tilapia sometimes)

Frozen Shrimp

Eggs

Cooked Grilled Chicken Breast Strips

Vanilla Soy Milk

Vanilla Unsweetened Almond Milk (35-40 calories)

Coconut Almond Milk Unsweetened

French Vanilla Coffee Creamer (I know, not the healthiest, but I love it)

0% Plain Greek Yogurt

Lowfat Vanilla Yogurt

Hummus

Tuna Fish (I ussually get the pouches because they are easy to pack/bring along for lunch in a sandwich or salad)

Coffee

Organic Natural Peanut Butter

Organic Almond Butter

Whole Wheat Bread (Loving Ezekial Bread lately!)

Whole Wheat Sandwich Thins

Cereal (Shredded Wheat, Raisin Bran, Fiber One cereals, many kinds)

Instant Brown Rice

Whole Wheat Pasta (rotini, penne, and thin spaghetti)

Marinara Sauce or Tomato Basil Sauce

Canned Sliced Mushrooms

Protein Bars (Fit and Active)

Wheat Thins

Oatmeal (Steel Cut, and Quick Cook)

Stevia in the Raw

Various Green Teas

Cocoa Powder

Dark Chocolate Chips

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Balsamic Vinegar

Honey

Chicken Broth

Nuts (almond, cashew, peanuts, pistachios)

Frequently In Our House

Fresh and Frozen Strawberries

Frozen Blueberries

Various Fresh Fruits (depending on sales, pineapple, blueberries, raspberries, etc)

Avocado

Eggplant

Zuchinni

Squash (various types: acorn, spaghetti, butternut)

Asparagus

Feta Cheese

Sun Dried Tomatoes

Bagel Thins (whole wheat)

Celery

Cherry Tomatoes

Whole Tomatoes

Baby Carrots

Black Olives

Various Frozen Veggies (brussel sprouts, asparagus, green beans, mixed veg: good things to keep on hand so you have quick options and don't have to resort to fast food when you're in a hurry!)

Cheese (Brie, brick cheese, light spreadable cheese wedges, whipped cream cheese)

Almonds (used to always be in the house, but Jesse got sick after eating too many!)

Quick Cook Meals (IE frozen veggie stir-fries that we can add whatever we want to)

Canned Coconut Milk (I like to make fresh green curry stir-fries with this)

Artichoke Hearts

Whole Grain Tortilla Chips

Whole Wheat Wraps

Salsa

Unsweetened Apple Sauce

We do buy other things, but these are the things that can be found most frequently in my kitchen. I try to keep healthy options on hand. Below are pictures of very typical meals in our home. We also do a lot of snacking. Cereal, peanut butter bread (with a touch of honey if I am craving sweets), and peanut butter greek yogurt (in my recipes section) are typical snacks for me. I do enjoy baking, and I try to make healthier versions of traditional baked goods like Fat Free Whole Wheat Blueberry Muffins (made with greek yogurt and applesauce). All of the recipes that I have shared are things we would typically eat at home. 

If you guys have any delicious recipes or ideas that you use at home, please feel free to share!

Melissa

PS I do most of my shopping at Aldi's because they have really great prices, and lots of options. 

Plain Tuna with Cheese Spread, and fresh Spinach on a Whole Wheat Sandwich Thin with a side of Fresh Pineapple

Balsamic and Honey Grilled Eggplant with fresh Spinach and Hummus on a Whole Wheat Sandwich Thin with Red Grapes

Grilled Chicken with Steamed Broccoli, and homemade green tea with a frozen fresh fruit skewer (pineapple, blueberries, and red grapes)

Grilled or Baked Salmon over fresh Spinach with red Grapes and Sun Dried Tomatoes

Fresh Spinach with Market Fresh Steamed Veggies and Sun Dried Tomatos (Listed in my recipes, and super quick/easy)

Grilled Salmon with Mixed Veggies and Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Baked Chicken with Steamed Broccoli

Baked Eggplant with fresh Spinach and Tomato Basil Sauce

Salmon with Brie Cheese, fresh Spinach and Green beans (seasoned with some old bay and lemon pepper)

Green Curry Shrimp and Vegetable Stir-fry over Brown Rice

Veggie Stuffed Omelette with 1 egg and 3 egg whites. Stuffed with Spinach, Mushrooms, diced Tomatoes, and Veggie Slice Pepper Jack Cheese.

I really LOVE sushi. This is a mixed plate (Salmon, Tuna, Shrimp, California Roll)

Fresh Spinach, avocado, red grapes, sliced chicken. (I didn't use dressing, but if I did it would be plain balsamic vinegar or freshly squeezed lemon)

Whole Wheat Wrap, Spinach, Feta, and Chicken

Whole Wheat Wrap, Spinach, Chicken, Avocado and Red Grapes