I’ve been asked about my shopping list, so I figured I’d use today’s post to present you with my must have items. I keep all of these foods in heavy rotation and find myself upset when they are not near. All other foods I can go without for extended periods of time.
I buy organic whenever possible. I’m leaving out the items that I buy for my boys; I’ll address that ball of madness at a later date.
- Berries. Generally, I keep strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries readily available for snacking.
- Greens. Kale, spinach and arugula are always part of my mix. My kids laugh at me for stuffing leaves in my mouth like a zoo animal.
- Purple cabbage. I go through one head every 4 days.
- Eggs. I buy about 4 dozen a week. Right now, they’re my favorite food.
- Ground beef. I cook it ahead of time and eat after workouts by the spoonful.
- Wild salmon. I buy the largest filet possible and always have individual portions in the fridge, seasoned simply with lemon, salt, pepper and paprika.
- Peanut and almond butter. I’ll rotate the two on my morning toast.
- Ezekiel sprouted grain bread. This is my one daily grain. I eat it with nut butter; it’s the perfect complement to the bitterness of my next item.
- Coffee, ground for French press. I don’t go a day without this ritual.
- Apples. I’m sort of a connoisseur (kisses muscles). Textures, colors, smells, tastes, I’ve got you, fire away.
- Celery. If I’m eating because I’m bored, not with purpose or for flavor, I land here. #Crunch
- Chicken. I buy it pre-made, whole, breasts, thighs, whatever catches my eye. Butter makes it better.
- Tuna in a can. Only for convenience. I don’t drain it; I eat it fast.
- Hot sauce. I can’t get enough, all different types and throw it on everything. More heat, please.
- Sweet potatoes and/or yams. My starchy sweethearts. Delicious hot, cold, snacks, meals, dessert.
- Oatmeal. It’s an occasional breakfast companion if I run out of my sprouted grain bread. No sweetener, the oats themselves are sweet enough. Maybe a handful of berries to brighten up an otherwise ugly food.
- Grass fed butter. Gotta make sure my food doesn’t stick to the pan.
- Olive oil. Another cooking helper.
- Coconut oil. For higher heat cooking.
- Mushrooms. Every kind. I only like them cooked, but then I adore them.
So there you have it, my twenty essential foods. What’s on your list?
Kap- buy a ceramic knife I like the kyocera brand. Slice 2 sweet potatoes into thin chips oil baking pan on top and bottom of potatoes sprinkle with sea salt
Avocados, almonds, kale, black beans, hummus, salsa, berries, Lagunitas. My weakness.
Hey Kap,
I want to start by saying thanks for starting this blog and being so interactive with your followers. That list is pretty similar to what I enjoy to eat as well. Although, my new favourite item on the grocery list is an Avocado. Finally acquired a taste for it, very healthy fruit that I spread on anything really.
Thanks again Kap and I look forward to the next post as always
-Paul
Gabe, Great list! I have avocados on mine. Make the guac a couple times a week. Kids love it and I put it on turkey burgers for a great fatty condiment. I love tuna but always afraid of the mercury content so lately we have been doing the wild Alaskan salmon in a can calling it “pink tuna” for the kids to consume it. It’s a bit pricier than tuna but gets the omega 3 and good fat once again. Nuts also. Raw almonds and cashews when I’m feeling a bit hungry during the day. Been trying to find the grass fed butter but can’t locally. I’ll keep trying. Keep on posting – this is a great blog!
I consider myself an apple expert myself too. Always enjoy them directly after a meal. You?
Avocados (cut in half, squeeze of lemon, pinch of kosher salt and eat with a spoon). Kiwis (used to peel them until daughters friend from France showed me to cut in half and eat with spoon). I have six jars on kitchen counter for quick snacks – raw almonds, dried goji berries, brazil nuts (selenium – eat one every day), dried figs, dried apricots, and six has sunflower and pumpkins seeds. I eat organic carrots like you eat celery. I can’t eat raw kale but love it cooked. I eat arugula and spinach like you – right out of the bag.
Kap, what is pre-made chicken? Never buy parts unless you see butcher cut it for you. By whole, free range – cutting a chicken like riding a bike – once you learn takes 60 seconds. Cuts to 8 easy pieces then cook in olive oil in well-seasoned cast iron pan (the older the better). Then make stock with carcass to use for soup or cook beans or lentils in it. Chili flakes for my heat – not supermarket spice row but imported from india or sri lanka.
I love your page!
If I were to buy a whole chicken? Where? and what is it called? Is it already cooked?
Your top 20 is similar to mine, I just have bananas, and greek yogurt.
Question: Do you stay away from OJ? why?
garlic!
Avocado Oil is amazing for cooking at high temps – don’t get the coconut taste like coconut oil.
Goji Berries, Cacao nibs, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, avo, maca, quinoa, cucumber (better than celery). almonds, cashews, garlic, evoo (for dressing), matzo balls
Nice list, Gabe. I don’t do oatmeal, bread or peanut butter since going Primal/paleo 8 weeks ago. Much of your list is similar to mine.
Red, yellow, green and orange bell peppers, almonds, homemade beef jerky, avocado and tomatoes are used almost daily by me and my wife.
My list overlaps a bit so here are a few not on your list: Sardines, chia seeds, hummus, homemade sauerkraut (with tahini for an amazing savory contrast), and miso with greens and stock (broccoli and things like boc choy or yu choy work great).
Oatmeal and slice banana every morning great way to start the day. Will definitely look into that list.thanks for post
Beer?
Thanks Kap, I’m trying all your recommendations! What do you use to season ground beef?