Whether you’re a Kroger, Trader Joe’s, or Food Lion type of girl, I think we can all agree that Whole Foods reigns supreme with regard to its range of health-conscious foods.
But the price.
Shopping at Whole Foods is not for the weak of heart or the weak of wallet; you’ll be so fascinated and intrigued by the broad selection of brands and alternatives that you’ll be tempted to buy everything you see- that is until you realize that it’s all actually quite expensive. You’ll find yourself doing one of two things: A) at the front of the line with wide eyes and moderate chest pains as the grand total just continues to grow by leaps and bounds, wanting nothing more but to tell the cashier, “on second thought, I really don’t need a dozen Emu eggs,” but nonetheless holding your tongue for fear of being an inconvenience to the cashier and the line of four mildly impatient guests behind you, or B, just rolling the cart into an oblivion of aisles and leaving altogether.
That’s why you have me.
A large portion of the reason why most people usually don’t eat healthily isn’t actually because junk food tastes better; it’s because of the price. I am by no means on the caliber of Jillian Michaels or Chloe Ting, but I do try to eat moderately healthy on a very simple scale. I do not meal prep, skip meals, substitute smoothies, or even cut sugar and carbs, and my grocery list is under $150. If you’re gonna shop at Whole Foods, you’ll need insight. These are my affordable Whole Foods holy grails that are great for your body and even better for your budget:
- Organic Baby Spinach, 365 Brand
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I always have baby spinach in my refrigerator. I use it for breakfast scrambles and omelets and as a side for my dinners (top it with Light Northern Italian salad dressing and thank me later). While shopping at Whole Foods, buying the store brand, 365, will be your best friend in saving money; one bag of Organic Baby Spinach comes in at $1.99. It’s versatile, it promotes healthy and regular digestion, and it’s easy on your wallet.
- Whole Catch Wild Caught Shrimp Burgers with Creole Seasoning
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A frozen aisle favorite in my household. These 4 oz shrimp burgers are perfect for the nights you hear chicken, fish, or pasta and just feel uninterested. Constructed with real shrimp and a combination of creole seasoning, paprika, and tangy mayo for a just-spicy-enough taste that’ll have you ready for seconds; and at 180 calories per burger and $6 a package, you’ll be able to afford it guilt-free (on both ends).
- Whole Foods Market Provencal Vegetable Blend
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For the girl who can’t keep up with perishables, this is for you. Priced at $3.99, this visually pleasing blend of bell peppers, zucchini, tomatoes, and eggplants seasoned in olive oil, garlic, and herbs will exceed all other side-dishes used prior. Frozen vegetables can be so boring and repetitive, but this provincial vegetable blend will expand your palate and disband any inkling of routine and expectancy- it’s that good.
- Go Veggie Grated Vegan Parmesan Cheese
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A dairy-free essential. While not a practicing vegan, I too am a victim of dairy products and therefore, avoid it when necessary. This alternative for parmesan cheese is good enough to be regarded as a substitute, and your Italian-inspired dishes no longer have to go without that one thing. It’s tolerable, it’s 20 calories, and at $4.69 it’s on the pricier side. Thankfully, a little goes quite a long way. Besides, all budgets exempt dairy-free alternatives for the sake of clear skin and smoothly-operating digestive systems. It’s in the fine print, practically.
- Traditional Crab Cake
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I truly pity she who has yet to try Whole Foods’ fresh crab cakes. At $5, this is undoubtedly affordable in comparison to how crab cakes are usually priced, and the taste goes without saying: unmatched. This crab cake makes a perfect salad topper but is also divine enough to be a course on its own, and at only 165 calories per crab cake, I’m all the way here for it.
I prioritize proteins, vegetables, and nuts heavily, and the results are not quick, but nonetheless enduring and rewarding. I believe that the key to maintaining your weight and overall health is to have the mindset of addition rather than subtraction; I’m adding healthier alternatives regularly and still indulging in dirty chai lattes and homemade desserts whenever I’m in the mood. Have your cake, eat it too, and save your coins in the process!