I love peeking inside other people’s carts in the hope of finding a new-to-me treat to try, or inspiration for a twist on an old recipe. Here’s what you’ll find in our cart all summer long, and some reasons you may want to consider copying part of the list (hint: foods for better sleep, energy, optimal digestion, and reducing inflammation!):

Something I love to do when I’m making our grocery list beforehand is to mentally take a walk around the store, and make the list in that order. It helps me not to forget anything, and saves time doubling back around. I always start at the fresh produce, and finish at the frozen aisle. Here are our summertime weekly go-to’s in that order, and I included our online subscribe and save items at the end (along with a helpful tool on when to choose organic and when to save and buy regular):

fresh produce

• avocados (I add one to our smoothie each morning for a brain boost and to soften the “greeny” taste)
• asparagus
• blueberries (Have you tried “the sweetest batch” organic variety? They are outrageously good!)
• strawberries
• rainbow carrots
• microgreens (we use on top of soups, salads, pizza, anything you’d add greens to – 10x the nutrients of their vegetable counterpart!)
• spinach
• fresh dates (a fantastic source of iron for vegans!)
• Japanese sweet potatoes
• red onions
• mushrooms
• summer squash and zucchini
• cruciferous mix (helps cleanse toxins from our digestive tract and keeps everything moving!)
• red and orange bell peppers
• heirloom tomatoes
• garlic

refrigerated section

• live culture coconut yogurt (fantastic source of pre and probiotics)
• siete cassava wraps (easily digestible)
• eat meati vegan carne asada steaks (I LOVE these – made from mushrooms)
• vegan non-soy butter
• miyokos vegan cheese for pizza night – we have tried many vegan “cheese” options, and this seems to be the unanimous winner. Sprinkle lighter than you would with regular mozzarella.
• organic free range chicken (for Jon)
• vegan organic ranch + bleu cheese
• olipop pre and probiotic “soda” made from plants – a phenomenal swap if you have a soda drinker in your family!

inner aisles

• organic cashews, walnuts and almonds
• organic almond butter (make sure your nut butters only have the nut in the ingredients list)
• jovial gluten free pasta (clean option and very easy for digestion)
• einkorn flour for baking (great for gut health)
• coconut sugar (low glycemic index vs. cane sugar)
• coconut milk
• chickpeas, black beans, bean trio
• HU vegan chocolate gems
• siete tortilla chips (outstanding! this brand is clean, vegan, and GF)

frozen goods

• banza gf + vegan pizza crusts (one of the cleanest crusts out there for food allergies)
• organic frozen wild blueberries
• organic frozen berry antioxidant mix
• organic frozen dark cherries (proven to help you sleep better!)
• organic frozen kale and spinach
• organic frozen cauliflower
• beyond breakfast sausage
• dr. praeger’s perfect burgers (clean vegan protein and gf, too)
• quorn veggie nuggets
• gf + vegan protein bread

online subscribe and save

• organo coffee packets (better for hormone health, clean, organic, and free from mold and toxins)
• truvani vegan protein (I cannot sing praise loud enough for this one!)
• organic inulin powder for smoothies (aids in metabolism, digestion)
• organic maca powder for smoothies (hormone health, mood booster, adaptogens)
• organic spirulina for smoothies (increase metabolism, energy, boost immune system)
• nutritional yeast (add to soups, salads, dressings, sauces for extra complete protein aminos)
• organic sprouted pumpkin seeds (helps release toxins from the liver, great source of protein)
• organic chia seeds (good source of omega 3’s, removes toxins from the body, great protein and fiber combo)

Every nutritionist, health coach, doctor, and friend will tell you a different diet that will “cure-all and have the biggest impact on your health”. But the reality is this – we are all unique and have varying wellness goals, dietary needs, allergies, food baggage and more that makes the above statement an impossibility. THE BEST DIET IS ONE THAT WORKS FOR YOU, AND THAT YOU CAN BE CONSISTENT WITH FOR AS LONG AS IT MEETS YOUR CURRENT NEEDS AND FUTURE GOALS. This may look different in different seasons of life, but you will never go wrong with as few processed and packaged foods as possible, a plethora and variety of fruits and vegetables, quality protein, and carbs that fuel you (think sweet potatoes!).

Most of the items we buy are organic – the glyphosate that is sprayed on our crops is a known carcinogen and impacts everything from fresh produce to beans, pastas, and bread. Here is a helpful guide of when to buy organic and where to save. I know food prices are positively outrageous these days, and we have cut back on other things like streaming services and Starbucks to add more to the food budget because I believe so strongly in what we add to our vessel and the power it has to keep us fueled, fighting disease, and living better longer.

Most days we eat very simply – big, bountiful, colorful salads, taco bowls loaded with veggies and organic beans and rice. But make no mistake, there is often a treat for dessert. It just so happens I love to make low-glycemic cookies and bars that still taste delicious without all the garbage. Small shifts create massive waves. Even swapping one item on your list that isn’t serving your well-being goals for something whole and nutrient-dense will have you starting to feel better today!

Thank you for shopping with us! Be well and joyful, kind friend 💙