Happy Hump Day. Halfway there, the weekend is in sight! What's on your agenda til then? I've got a 5:30pm yoga class to teach this evening. I have a newish playlist that I burned that I have only used one time that I am excited to play tonight. As a teacher, I have to keep my music fresh or I get really bored. The only good thing about using the same playlist is that you know without looking at the clock, how much time more you need to make your students sweat approximately is left in the class. The downfall is autopilot which is the antithesis of being present, living in the moment, and avoiding mental cruise control. Earlier today I've been out running errands and I took Skylar to the park. We practiced writing our names in the sand with muddy sticks and sung our abc's 23 times. In a row. But I loved every second! Whatcha got going on today?
I am really glad you enjoyed my Vegan Mexican Feast yesterday:
Vegan Fajitas with a Vegan Cheezy Sauce Option or Cumin Ginger Lime Sauce
See the sauce drooling pooling off?
Enjoy!
As promised, let's move on to some Grocery Finds. Sit back and relax, I've got alot to show you...
Remember over the weekend when I mentioned that I hit up 3 Markets in one day after yoga? Well, here's a few things I got that I'm groovin' on.
I hit up Trader Joe's for some essentials.
Like coffee. New to me, and I love this coffee!!!!!!! I have a major problem paying $12 bucks for a bag of Starbucks, or $14 for Peet's or even more for fair trade/organic coffees. So, I am in
And I think my Vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Protein Bars are going to be better, but hey, I'm up for trying new things!
What are its advantages over Refined Coconut Oil? Well! Let’s check them one by one;
- Taste: Unrefined Coconut Oil is tastier than the Refined Coconut Oil as it is neither bleached nor refined.
- Flavour: Again, Unrefined Coconut Oil has a beautiful flavour of that of fresh coconuts which is absent in Refined Coconut Oil, since it is deodorized.
- Nutrients: It is more nutritious than the refined one, being least process and subjected to least heat. It is richer in proteins (this is almost absent in refined oil), vitamins and anti oxidants.
- Natural: It does not undergo any chemical processing, unlike Refined Coconut Oil which is treated with Sodium Hydroxide and bleached. So, it has that more natural touch.
- Wholeness: It is wholesome coconut oil.
- Hygiene: It is less hygienic than the Refined Coconut Oil, since it does not undergo any refining and may contain dust particles and other unwanted stuff.
- Therapeutic Uses: It may not be suitable for therapeutic uses.
- Internal Applications: The Refined Coconut Oil is better in this respect, being more hygienic.
- Cost: Despite being less processed, it is bit costlier than the refined one, since most of the coconut oil produced is converted to refined oil and hence there is much less crude oil in market than the refined one. Further, it is less in use too.
- Availability: Again, Unrefined Coconut Oil is less easily available than the refined grade.
Chocolate Snowballs In the House!
Evan's TruWhip Contest
Aurorae Yoga's Rosin Bag. It's to help absorb perspiration and keep your hands from slipping on your mat if you're sweating.
Thrive Fitness: The Vegan-Based Training Program
Whew, that was alot of finds! Thanks for sticking with me!
A few plates of Greenery around here have included:
Raw kale, tomatoes, cauli, brock, cukes, & lightly steamed Brussels'
I try to eat half my weight in brock. Daily. Fiber? Check.
Raw brock, cauli, carrots, tomatoes, cukes, sugar snap peas, and lightly steamed Brussels'. Dressed with Vegan Slaw Dressing
There is nothing better than the crunch of a sugar snap pea.
Chocolate Dessert!
Raw Vegan Chocolate Coconut Snowballs
I also wanted to mention that I rarely shop at Whole Foods. I try to go there less than once a month because it is simply price prohibitive. I buy all my produce at either the conventional grocery store or at TJ's. I don't always buy organic. Actually, I only buy organic if the price is close to conventional. I know that for some people, organic is very important to them and I think it's wonderful, but for me, it's not a reality. Gena has posted on this topic as well.
When I lived in San Diego, I was part of a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) and had a weekly farm share. All my produce was locally & organically grown, and it was seasonal. Since recently moving to the desert, I haven't explored that option yet, and so in the meantime, I try to buy produce that's at the front of the grocery store. In the winter that's oranges and grapefruits, in the summer it's strawberries and raspberries. In the fall it's turnips and parsnips, in the spring it's chard. You get the point.
Are you familiar with the Dirty Dozen? Those 12 items that you should buy organic when possible? Here's a downloadable guide.
Or here you go.
The most contaminated (buy organic with these if you can):
• Apples
• Cherries
• Grapes, imported (Chili)
• Nectarines
• Peaches
• Pears
• Raspberries
• Strawberries
• Bell peppers
• Celery
• Potatoes
• Spinach
And the least contamintated:
• Bananas
• Kiwi
• Mangos
• Papaya
• Pineapples
• Asparagus
• Avocado
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Corn
• Onions
• Peas
What's your take on Organic? Do you think it's important? Do you buy organic? If money was no object, would you buy organic? How do you feel about our foods being irradiated?
And on lighter matters, what's your splurge food purchase that you don't care how much it costs, how healthy it may, or may not, be...you have to have it!
Fave TJ's food? Fave WF's food? Fave food in general? Did someone say Chocolate? I thought so.
Stay Tuned For The Yoga & Raw Vegan Foods Retreat Info Announcement...
94 comments:
First comment?!
Great post. I feel very similarly about organics, as you know. And thanks for such informative thoughts on unrefined coco oil!
I'm the same way with organic - I'll buy organic apples and cherries, and a few other things if the price isn't too crazy. If I did have the resources to eat entirely organic I would, but, since I don't, I just do what I can here and there.
Hmmm...I like what my family calls "snobby" peanut butter and "snobby" salad dressing - a.k.a. Trader Joe's nut butter and Annie's Honey Mustard Salad Dressing. I also drink almond milk (not sure the price on that) at home, and I buy chia seeds (but those last me forever).
Wow you got some great goodies today!!!
U will LOVE the Luna Chocolate Peppermint Bar, its my favorite one!!!!
THe Icecream you got, did you get that at Whole Foods, Im dying to try the mint one, i have seen that on other blogs too!!!!
Trader Joes does have great buys and Whole Foods is very expensive, but sometime the coupon books they have really help with some of the stuff I get, I like to go there twice a month, I try not to go more, like you said it is pricey!
I like to buy my veggies and fruit organic, I always do, and I usually can get a good price on the organic fruits and veggies at the local grocery store : )
That hair stuff looks like it works good , your dughter is so adorable!!! U both have beautiful hair, mine is very thick and is a pain!!!
Have a great night!
i do love whole foods but only go about once a week and it isnever my BIG shop. I save that for Star market and Trader joes. I love some of WF's prodcuts and their fresh grind PB, but I have to agree it is not so good for the paycheck!! thaks for the info on teh coconut oil! I have never tried it!
i would LOVE to send you a bag of my uncles coffee! would you like to try it?! I think you will LOVE IT! we are both coffee lovers so I know you will become a fan!
I only buy organic if the price isnt crazy either, other than that I just see what is the most affordable.I do LOVE local produce esp in teh summer so I jump at that every opp I get!
Fav TJ's food wow there are SO many! I love the Berry mix because it has cherries in it! the valencia PB is also awesome, as are the fiber, cranberry apple muffins.
New fav from WF is the chicken spinach and fontina meatballs!
I agree with you on the organics! I buy the products that are most contaminated.
P.S. Yes the date nights are a must, we try to as much as we can, it can be hard to do sometimes, getting a sitter is tough and we are homebodies! lol!! Beautiful you have been married 9 years!!!!!
Hey girl! Those Mexican wedding cookies--didn't get a chance to comment on them before but WOW. I love Mexican wedding cookies. I also LOVE coconut oil. As for organic, there are certain things I ALWAYS buy organic, but for the most part I don't. Certain things I feel silly paying organic for when in reality.. it's just old-school farming. It seems to be a money making business more so than caring, know what I mean?? I love frozen fruits! I always go the freezer and munch on them throughout the day. I go to WF for certain things that I know are cheaper than anywhere else (including wal-mart). Just make sure to get their private label 365. For example, bag of organic red onions, peanut butter, ketchup, even their bagged nuts (cheaper than their bulk section by the lb.). But other than that I just do my shopping at various places.
Your Luna bar is vegan!!! They are delicious, but sometimes a little too harsh on my system. And veggie wise I buy what is most cost effective to me, but it definitely has to be local.
:) Great post! (I'm a sucker for the really long ones...)
I've used organic hair products before, and they work absolute wonders on my usually dry, unrully wavy hair. I would buy organic fruits and vegetables (the dirty dozen)... if it wasn't so dang expensive... Seriously... You have it lucky... Here (Australia) the "organic" tag is just an excuse to up the price by $5 per kilo. And half the produce isn't organic. :(
:) Reigne
http://www.babyhealthnut.wordpress.com
We were part of a CSA in Pittsburgh (of all places) and it was fabulous. I want to join one here in NC but we go to the farmers market every week as it is, so it would be an overload. I am lucky to live in a place with "good" food in every store you walk into (carrboro is very hippy-ish), BUT I totally agree that its not practical to buy everything organic. I do think its important, BUT to me, buying local is way more valuable.
OH.. I sang the abc 24 times today.. so beat that..lol :) :)
i really wish i didn't have to worry about pricing, but when mom buys the groceries, she doesn't always buy organic. i know. HORRORS. however, we do buy organic milk tho! anyways, tj's fav product? peanut butter, or their hummus/black bean enchiladas.
whole foods? hmm i just larabars from there..but their cinnasnap cereal is bomb!
I am defintely with you on the organic thing. If anything, I try to shop local as much as possible and buy what is in season. Shopping at places like tjs and sprouts definitely helps with this! My splurge is good cheese! Cheap blocks of chedder definitely don't do it for this girl! I blame my Wisconsin roots!
love the finds!
I try to go for organic things when I can, mostly the dirty dozen. Whole Foods is where I spend a much too high percentage of my paycheck. It's unhealthy, hah. I also shop at the farmer's market and if I'm cute, they'll give me a good deal :)
We feel the same way about WF. Love 'em, but with Papa Bear being the only one working for $$ and 5 kiddos at home, we visit WF once a month and with care. ;-)
I had fresh mango for the first time this weekend and loved it! I wonder how the frozen stuff would compare.
Pulled this from the Luna website: "LUNA bars do not contain animal products or ingredients sourced from animal products."
They are manufactured near those ingredients though.
I actually get a lot more off the shelf "organics" at Fresh n Easy just by walking thru the door so I love shopping there. I try and again sometimes price just puts me off.
loved your monster post and all your finds. I love coconut oil and have tried a new brand that I can't get near my face, because it has an aftertaste I can't stand. the living foods brand is my all time favorite. I don't mind shelling out some bucks for that.
I have never been to whole foods but we have TJ's, Henry's and Sprouts and Baron's I love too.
Happy Hump Day to you too! I am home today!
woo hoo
I love that TJs coffee; just got some a couple days ago. Have you tried the Ethiopian? It's my favorite there, and it is organic, fair trade and shade grown (I study birds, so that is a biggie for me).
I am the same with organic. I try to buy local, but I live in the desert, and sometimes I wonder if over-taxing the scarce water supply is worth getting produce "locally" if I can get it from somewhere a little further, but with more water. It is also a bit price-determined. I'll definitely buy organic if it costs the same, and try to get the dirty dozen organic, but it is hard. Frozen helps. (Love TJs frozen mangos too). I was in a CSA but it was just too much for one person...and I eat a LOT of veggies.
Latest and greatest TJs find is Sunflower Seed Butter. Holy lord, why didn't I try this stuff sooner. I spent $25 on nut butters alone.
From top to bottom: That peppermint Luna got me through the holiday season--love them.
If you end up liking that brand of coconut oil, it's the cheapest on amazing http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000CLUOAS/ref=sr_1_olp_2?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1264034869&sr=8-2&condition=new
Glad you found the truwhip and oh my that ice cream sounds tempting haha. Can't wait to hear how it is.
I am definiely aware of the dirty dozen and do a good job sticking with them. I try to go organic when I can and it's price effective, like organic oatmeal(I'm sure it's not a big deal, but it's the same price so why not?).
There's so much at Trader Joe's that's good, recently I've been loving their chocolate chips. And they make some of the only all-natural white chocolate chips, too. They can do no wrong.
Whole Foods makes the most amazing peanut butter. I think it must be three ingredients: peanuts, salt, and crack.
I <3 Tempt's Mint Chip. Even the boyf loves it and we pick it up as a treat now and then.
I luck out in my produce buying as I work for a produce wholesaler. Our actual company (there's 6 companies within the whole food terminal as its called) deals more with conventional produce, but we do sometimes get organics in and I can get them at our cost or sometimes free. It's definitely nice and I just have to go down the dock if I'm looking for certain things we don't sell.
It's worth it if you have to buy in bulk or can get a group of people together to buy bulk, to look up and find out who your local wholesale seller/distributer is to the grocery stores. You may have to get there early in the morning (I'm in my office at 4:30am!), but it's definitely fresher and much less expensive overall than the grocery (and yes, we sell produce from local growers too!).
Your post is wonderful- so informative and so approachable as always! As an auntie to a 3-year-old, I know exactly what you mean when you say:
"We practiced writing our names in the sand with muddy sticks and sung our abc's 23 times. In a row." Isn't it amazing how the little ones never get tired of repetition? I guess they like what they like!
I buy organic when I can, but we are just starting out. I do live in the SF Bay Area and really have no excuse, but sometimes money wins out.
We do consume animal products and make sure they are organic whenever possible!
Have a wonderful day!
All of your new goodies look delicious (and Luna bars are vegan)!
I pretty much live by the dirty dozen. If it's on the list, then I always buy organic. Except organic bell peppers are ridiculously expensive!
I almost always buy organic, 'cause pesticides freak me out. If something I REALLY want is unavailable in organic or the organic version is crazy expensive that day I'll usually cave, but otherwise I try to stick with organics.
And I seem to be in the minority of most people, but I almost always spend less money at Whole Foods. We don't have a TJ's (horrible, I know) or I would go there, but as long as I'm careful I find they can have good deals. It depends though. For example, the organic frozen fruit at my local chain grocery store costs more than twice as much as the frozen fruit at Whole Foods. Ditto to the fresh stuff sometimes.
Fabulous post! It's really interesting to hear you don't buy organic... I'm always on the fence about it! The dirty dozen is a good list though!
I haven't been to Trader Joes yet, but I do love whole foods, good thing it's 1.5 hour drive away plus a 1.5 hour ferry and then another hour drive! hehe :)
Great post!
Jess
HEY LOVE!!
you will love the luna bar! thats my favie!! you+skylar=ADORABLE. always love pics of the 2 of you :)
i try to buy organic..its so darn expensive in college!
Just because I love messing with other vegans -
I LOVE YOUR PIRATE'S BOOTY-LOOK-ALIKE-TASTE-ALIKE LOOT! It definitely looks foodgasmic even from my computer screen.
And as for the hair products - that's cheating, Ave. Because yours and Skylar's hair look great all the time. :P
Organics, schmorganics - yes the crux of the matter is always the bloody price. Being a microbiology major, we are ALWAYS being told about how the general public (ie. un-informed, non-science-literate people) overreact to irradiation and GMO's. My bacterial genetics prof actually tells us GMO's are safer, because you have to know what you're doing in order to modify the organism properly (it all has to do with gene sequences and stuff). And he works with this one bacterium that infects and develops and symbiotic relationship with alfafa sprouts and actually HELPS them to grow in a totally organic way. Maybe one day I'll do a science-based post on this topic on my blog soon. :)
I'm secretly grateful that there's no whole foods in my area.. I have a feeling that if there were I would frequent there far too often. I do major damage with just the regular grocery store, I can't imagine how much I would deplete my bank account at WFs.
Miss you honey, hope your week is going by fabulously! <3 xoxo
Great post! I'm the same way as you with organic. I buy it when I can, but most of the time I just feel like I can't swing it.
I love Whole Foods, and luckily the nearest one is about an hour away or I would spend my life savings there! There isn't a Trader Joe's in Oklahoma, which makes me so sad. I hear everyone talking about it all the time, and I'm so jealous.
Oh, and my splurge item would have to be almond butter (although lately I am trying to use less of it) and chia seeds. Definitely don't want to live without them!
Last thing - I made your bars last night, and they are Ah-may-zing!! I'm going to do a post over them tonight, so come check it out if you get the chance!
Can't wait for your review of the ice creams! I've been wanting to try those or awhile.
I try to buy as much organic as I can to reduce my exposure to pesticides and because it's better for the environment :)
Oops, last comment was mine.
-Ashlei
http://thevegster.wordpress.com
that bag of golden, yellow, and dark raisins is calling my name!!! i have never seen that delicious medley before but it sure looks amazing.
i try and by organic as much as possible but eating a college meal plan makes this difficult :/ i figure 4 years of bad lifestyle won't kill me lol.
I feel pretty similarly about organics. I try to do it when the price isn't prohibitive, or if it's a member of the dirty dozen. I do spend more money on groceries, but for the most part, I'd rather have healthy, organic foods, when possible.
My splurge food is probably nice trail mixes.
BTW, TJ's has an amazing frozen mango/berry combo mix that I have never experienced freezer burn with. It's probably the best frozen fruit mix I've ever had. Can't remember what it's called though, sorry!
hmmm i'm not good at buying certain things organic. apples? im the worst at that. i buy the enormous genetically processed ones and i enjoy every minute of every bite hahaha i cant help it.
but your mexican feast well te quiero.
Seems like we have the same philosophy on organic. And raisin mix looks great!
Ooh, I love the Thrive books!!! And the people at Sequel Naturals. Good crew, good philosophy :)
I have two requirements when buying food 1) It has to taste good, 2) it has to be reasonable priced. Sometimes that's organic, sometimes not. I used to buy all cheap all the time, but my tastebuds don't like that. But all organic, especially with meat and dairy, and I'd have to live on the street to afford it :P My one splurge item is usually protein powder! Those big cannisters are expensive, especially if you want the good stuff. Worth it though :)
I get asked that question all the time! I DO wish I could live 100% organic, but right now, it just isn't a reality for me. If I can get organic items on sale, I buy 'em. Or, if I can find something grown "naturally" I buy that.
Also, I ate a LOT of organic, heirloom produce from my own garden this past year. I'm looking forward to doing the same this year. :-)
Hugs,
Michele
We use that same shampoo too and have been liking it :) Also we got the Brendan's new book and are so excited to read it as well!!! I think if you can get organic great, though local is great as well :) I wish organic was more reasonable in price and availability so more people can enjoy the health benefits of eating organic and local foods!!!
I always buy organic apples, berries, and spinach, since I eat a ton of them, but when it comes to everything else, I only buy organic if it's available (no need to lug groceries around Manhattan!). I'm lucky enough to still depend on my parents for grocery money, and they understand that I look at buying organic as an investment in health, so fortunately it works out.
I am in love with TJ's chocolate covered peanut butter pretzels...so bad yet so, so, so, so good. I'm a huge fan of the salad/hot foods bard at WF, though. My favorite food in general has good to be...you guessed it...CHOCOLATE! I could live on nothing but solid dark chocolate bars- 70% and up. Mmmmmm.
Those snowballs just keep looking better and better. I'm hoping to try them out this weekend, as part of my one-new-vegan-recipe-per-week resolution!
Your vegan mexican looks good!
I wish we had trader joes here.. :)
Thanks for both the coconut oil and shampoo info. I had wondered about that shampoo but was debating in giving it a try.
WOW! So much going on in this post, and too much to comment on, so I'll just say: "toddler crack"-- LOL :-)
Yo, did you hop in my shopping cart or something? That shampoo's in my shower, the mango's in my freezer and the raisins are in my office desk drawer.
I do my best to buy the dirty dozen organic (when I can actually remember which foods those are, that is). I went through a phase where I was freaking out and I wanted everything organic, nothing canned, everything squeaky clean, but since I've relaxed (forthe sake of sanity and for my wallet), I try to consider both seasonality and convenience when shopping. If i'm in an organic grocery, then of course everything I'm buying at the time is organic, but if I'm at WF and the only kale they have is conventional, so be it. They also have a great freezer section so I can still buy veggies that are out of season.
Skylar is so pretty as always. Wow, you really have a "business" here Averie with this blog...you should be proud.
I am actually not too worried about organic or not...I cannot afford a whole lot...and try not to obsess too much. You eat so well. I am not vegan (I eat lots of meat and fish...it very large portions !)...but i do like vegan meals...though nothing like yours!
And thanks for your comment too on my blog about the fear...i am still questioning it...afraid...not sure...so overwhelmed and sad though truthfully, so its all a big mess now. Have a nice night.
I'd love to buy all organic but it's so expensive! P.S. I want to try EVERYTHING you have on this post!!
I love those mango chunks and use them in my smoothies all the time. That Tempt ice cream looks so delish! I did know about the organic list, but always forget. Thanks for the reminder!!
oh love, i need a TJ! I would buy that coffee!!
I eat all organic fruit and veg. I am cool like that ;)
I love this info on coconut oil! I always purchase Organic extra virgin. SO good!
XXOO
I tried your granola bars! They are great and I cannot wait to have them for my breakfast go to before my 30 minutes of jump roping tomorrow! I just got into jump roping again to change it up between running and boy oh boy am I inlove with it! You sure have to work up your stamina thats for sure :) I sent your blog to my best girlfriend and she is so excited to check it out!
Hooray for Trader Joe's and the ABC's! I sing the ABC song, and Itsy Bitsy Spider at least ten times a day. And yeah, Pirate's Booty=toddler crack, perfectly put! For the rest of the week... I plan on singing the ABC's and making more of your vegan cheesecake to bring to my and my boyfriend's family!
Honesty on my blog... I'm honest in what I say but I'm still trying to find my voice.
I try to buy organic or local as much as possible, and there are certain things I really care about and others not so much. I don't care about bananas, they have a thick peel and they're all genetically modified. I always buy greens organic or pesticide free at the farmers market. I try to buy tomatoes organic, but they can get pricey. Oh, and soy-when I eat it, it must be organic.
Favorite food? Um, yeah. Chocolate.
Ugh, I hate when frozen fruits are freezer burned! The last time I bought bagged coffee (waaaaaay back in the day), Target stocked fair trade coffee fairly cheap. They seem to still try to make conscientious decisions when able, so I'd imagine they still have it.
Why does TJ almost exclusively set up shop along the coasts? Joe and I need to have a little chitty chat about that.
I've heard great things about the Thrive books, you'll have to tell us what you thought once you read this one!
I'm the same way about organic foods-- if the price is close to the others, I get it. I realize it might not be sufficient, but I wash all produce before I eat it, organic or not. After all, even organic foods get manhandled. If money was no object, I would definitely buy all organic, partially for health but even more so to support the cause with my dinero.
I'm not very comfy with the idea of food being irradiated, and I'd like to become a little more informed about it.
My favorite splurge foods are probably non-dairy milks (expensive in comparison), raw nuts (TWSS!), and green monster ingredients.
Oh, unrefined all the way! With cinnamon on Ezekiel toast...perfection!
Some would flay me for this, but I do not think organic is necessarily better. One thing that I do not think people stop to think about:
Just because it's natural does not make it better. Hemlock is natural and you'll die if you eat it. "Natural" fertilizers and pesticides are not always safe. In fact, the reason a lot of the more chemical fertilizers were developed was BECAUSE of unhealthy stuff in what was 'natural.' I'm not saying organic is bad, or that chemical pesticides are a bucket of health, but there are some organics that are not any better than conventional.
But I support, 150%, buying local. During the summer I'm always at the farmer's market. When you buy local, you can ask just what the farmer DID use on his veggies. Plus, even if it is "conventional," it's still going to be fresher and have more nutrients than organic pears from Chile.
Anyway, just my thought on the issue. But at the moment, as I'm a broke college student, it's also a matter of money.
Thanks for posting the dirty dozen. I try to stick with it. If something organic requires me to reverse mortgage the casa, I walk away. Good thing most of your veggie loves can be conventional. Wonder about kale?
i try to buy as organic as possible.. if not, then i buy local. ALWAYS organic tomatos.
I didnt know cherries were on that list! oops!
favorite grcoery store? Whole Foods.. but yes, its pricey :(
I have never been to TJ's
but I really enjoy just going to local markets :) cheap, freindly, and convienant!
hey, that means a lot coming from a hottie SUCH AS YOURSELF! =D haha i gotta be more self confident, that's for sure! =D
oh man. how come all your food that you make stirs up my hunger all over again! AUGH! unless my metabolism is OFF THE CHAIN!
For organic, I get almost all fruits and veggies organic. I do eat those frozen TJ's mangoes and sometimes bananas or pineapple that's not organic. I have read that there is more nutrition in organic at least for greens (in victoria boutenko's green for life she has stats).
For nuts and seeds, I can go either way, depending on what's cheaper. I do find a lot of good deals on organic at my local coop.
I guess I am lucky to have lots of cheaper choices around here. I shop at Whole Foods sometimes because they have certain veggies cheaper than anywhere else (like fennel). Trader Joes has great nuts, citrus, and some veggies. Then the rest is typically at the local coop, aside from organic bananas which I can get super cheap at safeway down the street from me. Oh and of course the farmer's market where I go for organic and spray-free.
I splurge on nuts. I don't buy organic because of the price. I would LOVE to help out, but I barely have enough to feed myself, and I really can't afford organic. And between nuts and organic produce...I'm sorry, but nuts win.
Guess I answered one of your question. Nuts are expensive, but I HAVE to have them!!
At the mo I only buy organic apples (because when I'm out shopping they are the only item I can remember on the dirty dozen list!). I'm similar to you generally with organic, I'll buy it if it's close to the normal price.
Food splurges- nice red wine, and decent quality peanut butter and dark chocolate. Yum.
Hi Averie, I've been reading your blog for a while but never commented, so here I am getting out of the shadow :-)
I am French and live in Belgium, so unfortunetaly can't tell about Whole Foods or Trader Joes (*sob*).
Anyway, I feel the same way about organic, I'll buy organic apples and bananas, beets and cucumber, and other stuff if the price doesn't make my bank account cry. Here more and more supermarkets offer organic produce and goods, we are starting to get more affordable options.
There is one thing I keep buying week after week, at my local organic store, one thing that is imported and is really expensive here but I don't care, it's Tofutti Cream Cheese, just love the stuff, even though it is highly processed. Oh, and there is this hazelnut and sultana butter which is really good on crispy juicy fresh organic apple :-) Ok I'll stop here, or I'll just write a novel!
Wow! Excellent long post! I'll buy organic sometimes. I'm not a big fan of Whole Foods either. They always seem so expensive. We have a local, non-chain health food store called Harvest Market that I pass every day on my way home from work. It's huge too, which is very rare for the Mom & Pop health food stores. They always have such a great selection and everyone that works there is so nice!!!
Now that our twin boys are getting older (7 1/2 months) I'm trying to get to the mat every day. Thanks for showing me that standing splits are possible. I'm working on it!
I've never seen Hemp milk ice cream! I can't wait to see what you think of it.
I use unrefined coconut oil ALL the time and LOVE it!
I buy organic when I can, but don't stress about it. It can break my wallet pretty fast.
Thanks for the information about unrefined vs refined coconut oil, oddly I was looking at my jar of coconut oil last night and wondering about the differences!
I focus on local in season produce as much as possible too (though we have not been able to give up our banana habit).
Fantastic post, thank you Averie!
I try to buy organic fruits and vegetables but if I really need.. say fennel.. and there's none in the organic section I'll get the non-organic one. There's a great organic selection in our supermarkets and the products aren't too expensive.
I personally try to get as much organics in as possible. It does get expensive, but I think it's worth it.
Also, I saw corn on the "least contaminated" least and was pretty surprised. Non-organic corn could have GMOs which is scary as pigs who were eating that corn turned out to be infertile (I read an article a few years back about this)
I can't believe I found time to read that whole post. Where do you find the time to type it all? Amazing.
I like the conditioner, too. It does help with keeping the tangles under control, especially during scarf season.
As for organic, I used to try to buy as much as possible. Now that I am home for with the baby, I have to cut back on my spending. Therefore, I'm eating more conventional than I did before. I keep those lists in mind when making my purchases.
Hey Averie!! awesome post. Im so loving the grocery finds. Way to rock it!! Thanks for the review on the hair products. I always see this brand and have been curious about it. Gorgeous hair you and Skylar have!
I try and buy organic when I can. If i eat the skins I always will, no matter what. If its something that is peeled (like bananas) then I usually just buy whatever is cheapest. I do shop at WF buy I feel that for what I buy their prices are comparative to other stores in the area. But I do my TJs=) My favorite food to splurge on at the moment is nut butters. Right now Im really on almond butter kick but at $8 bucks a jar not the cheapest. But i love it so I just pay for it.
Im finally back in action so I just wanted to tell you too I sssooo enjoyed your mexican feast! omg...Mexican food is my all time favorite. I know I will be making those goodies in the future!
I hope you are having an awesome day sweetie! xoxo!
I generally try to stick with organic foods in all categories (probably 75% of the time) - meat, dairy, veg, fruit. I just feel like it's cleaner and healthier. If the cost is too high to buy fresh, I'll settle for a bag of frozen organic vegetables before I'll buy fresh conventional (if possible for what I'm making). The rest of the time I'm either in need of an ingredient and just can't fork over the cash for organic, or the organic version isn't available. I suppose it's all about doing what I can with what I have!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your blog!!! I read it all the time and have been able to progress a lot more with my raw food journey thanks to your easy to follow recipes and ingredients. Please keep 'em coming!
Would you mind sharing your playlists, fave yoga songs and fun sequences with us? I love music during my practice and feel it opens my soul and let's me really lose myself in my practice. Would love to hear what you're digging!
Thanks again!! Bonnie
i would recommend wilderness family naturals for your coconut oil. i have nothing to do with the company btw - i promise! LOL. that is the only stuff i use. it is easy enough to get wholesale prices (which are great!) simply by buying $250 worth of products - great for a co-op (which is how i got the products)
have to agree- i love organic products, but they are overpriced. i don't feel the need to always buy organic products though i do obviously like to eat healthily.
xoxo
shelley
All I can say is, girl, you can eat!!!! (and deliciously, I may add...)
You've just reminded me of how long it's been since I made a trip to TJs!! That should change, asap!
In regards to organic, I very rarely buy organic simply because it's not affordable for my college student life. I will say that organic carrots and mushroom are 10x better than regular!
I LOVE Trader Joes I do most of my shopping there, their prices are great!
When it come to organic I try to buy the most contaminated items organic and other things I buy conventional but if the price is good I will always go with organic. I like to support organic farmers as much as I can.
I also eat meat so all of my meat is grass fed hormone free all that good stuff.
i admire you for teaching yoga classes! it must take so much organization and planning skills~ which you obviously possess! mmm i love TJs coffee blends, i always bring home new ones when i visit out of state. haha. i am a COOL KId?! yeeee! and i agree, your bars are probably a zillion times better. for REAL. i always splurge on greek yogurt. HAVE TO HAVE IT! going to go eat some now, in fact!! xoxoxoxoooooooo love you to the moon!
I miss shopping at TJ's, we dont have them in Utah. :( Buying organic is important to me and I buy organic whenever I can afford to. I am against irradiated foods and my fave purchases from TJ's is their Vegan chocolate fudge cherry ice cream, and my fave from WF's is their sundried tomato stuffed green olives. Yum! I really like your blog! Thanks for posting!
Check out bountifulbaskets.org for cheap conventional ($15) or organic ($25) for a big basket of fruits and a big basket of veggies. They are basically skipping the grocery stores and volunteers are separating them into individual baskets. I always volunteer because you get left over freebies :) Plus, you are not obligated to buy it. If you're going to be in town on a saturday... buy the basket online the tuesday/wednesday prior. They are all over arizona.
I SO agree with WHY do some stores sell freezer burned food??? Or rather, why do those food companies not do a better job of packaging?? THe mango chunks from TJ's are my favorite snack ever!! I can down a pack in one sitting. They also have way less freezer burn than the Whole Foods ones, that always come with a ton of ice shavings inside the bag!! UGHHH
Coconut oil is still one thing i'm still curious/a tad skeptical about...your tutorial definitely helped!!! As always, an educational foodie post!
I have been a bad, bad friend! I've been spending less time on the computer so I haven't been commenting except quick little blurps here and there. I always have so much to reply on your blog so it takes me a bit longer to get over here : (
My splurge lately has been Teecino, yum! Thanks goodness there's a good coffee replacement or I may have died!
I would so love to come to the retreat! I'll have to see my financial state by then as I have both a fitness retreat and family vacation between now and then. Oh if I only had an indispensable income : )
Love ya,
Nicole
Not sure how this post slipped by me, but thanks for sending this link about coconut oil. Thanks as it is very informative!
Coffee: I have not tried that blend at TJ"s. My hubby and I love really bold, nutty coffee. I always think of French Roast as kinda acidic. You say it is not so we can add it to our TJ coffee rotation.
Cheesy Puffs: MOST DEFINITELY crack for kids. Mine go freakin' nuts for the stuff.
Blogger Honesty: Sure, why not. I tend to be way too honest. If someone says something mean I find it hard to let it go.Not looking forward to that.
Organic or Not: I have the same take. If it is affordable and within reason, sure. If not then I make another choice or buy conventional. I tell my readers the same.
CSA: I should join one!
xo
Doug's organic CSA is awesome. Have you checked it out?
http://kristensraw.blogspot.com/2009/05/why-i-love-our-csa-exceeded.html
Cheers,
Kristen
I learned: Unrefined Coconut Oil is more nutritious than the refined one, being least process and subjected to least heat. It is richer in proteins (this is almost absent in refined oil), vitamins and anti oxidants.
Hmm, knew about the health benefits of unrefined coconut oil but really intrigued about the difference in the fresh coconut flavor. Sounds absolutely wonderful!
something i learned about coconut oil is its ability to stand up to high heat, which makes a lot of sense once you think about how its naturally a tropical plant!
I learned that unrefined coconut oil is slightly less hygienic than refined, but I think it's worth the other benefits!
Waaah! I learned that coconut oil has PROTEIN! I always thought that no oil has protein...
learned about "vegan slaw" dressing! That's a new one for me! thanks for sharing..
Awesome post! I feel the same way you do about organic produce and products, however since im still in high school there is no possible way for me to afford to eat all organic. Most of my produce is not organic because I eat so much of it, but everything else usually is :)
Yipee! Yahoo! I'm a winner!
Okay, let's see if it works today. Yesterday, I couldn't even get the comment form to come up.
oh boo, your nifty comment box isn't at the bottom anymore! i love that thing. but i also loved this post~ and skylar has SUCH great hair for a 3 year old. seriously. it is so long! i love everything at TJs~ i so, so wish i had one here :( maybe one day! keeping these fingers crossed. xoxo
Glad you spelled out the differences between Refined and Unrefined coconut oil.
I didn't even know there was the option for unrefined.
Thanks!
O goodness, please buy Organic food!
This is the Earth we are leaving to our children and while I agree that some huge organic farms are really no more sustainable, we could all find a local farmer, market, etc that we could support. In the end cheap food=cheap labour and cheap labour=unhappy people=....etc etc
What we see in the supermarkets is abundance and cheapness that does not at all reflect the true cost of food whether it be to your body, the environment, the workers, or the animals who make it their home.
One of the reasons organic food can be more expensive is because organic farmers receive no govt subsidies like the dairy and meat industries do.
We can each make priorities that have the possibility to make a huge affect. WE can do this!
As a disclaimer I am an organic farmer who loves her work, the land and the critters living with it and try with all my might to care for and nourish it.
If money wasn't an object, I would buy organic - it's better for me and for the environment. However, being a college student (5 years down, 3 to go) makes it difficult. And no, I don't go out and spend money at the bar every weekend or on clothes and say I can't afford food :) haha! Plus living in the northern Midwest, the organic produce often comes from halfway around the world. When I have a job, I will try to buy the dirty dozen organic, but I think buying local is more important to me.
For the most part, I don't buy organic food because of the price tag. However, when I go back to China, I buy it often because the local markets only sell food that they've produced themselves! Plus it's mega cheap. I find the food tastes a LOT better, and it's more satisfying putting something in your belly that will have spoiled in the next few days had you not consumed it.
I don't always buy organic.
When the organic version is the same price (or cheaper) then conventional then it is a "must buy" for me.
I totally believe in buying organic and I try to do so as often as possible but unfortunately money sometimes gets in the way. I have read up on the importance of organic produce and I don't want those toxins in my body. If money were no object I would buy 100% organic and I look forward to the day when that is the case.
I do aim to buy organics as much as possible. I do believe it's far better for my health. When money allows, I will buy purely organic. At the moment, I live in a rural city with very little organic foods and what we do have is VERy expensive.
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