Eat-In Challenge Shopping Cart: Earth Fare

on February 22, 2011
in Eat-In Challenge Shopping Cart

This is Part II of a new blog series called Eat-In Challenge Shopping Cart.  Over the years, many people have asked to me to write about grocery shopping, but it’s so hard to really detail what’s in our fridge and pantry in just one blog post (hence, a series!).   Here’s my shopping cart at Trader Joe’s.

 

The second grocery store we frequent is also the most expensive and, therefore, the one we go to the least:  Earth Fare. 

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We attend this foodie heaven once or MAYBE twice a month.  The main motivation for going to Earth Fare is actually dog food (we feed our pups Holistic Select). 

 

However, Earth Fare is the Husband’s favorite grocery store.  He loves the foodie presentation, all the organic produce, the fun vegan treats, the health snacks, the aisle of sauces, the variety… He loves it all.  And tries to put it all in the cart.

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As a result, I try to leave the Husband at home when I need to go to Earth Fare.  Whenever he comes with me, we end up spending so much more money!  I spend a lot of time wagging my finger and putting stuff back on the shelf.  :)  Today I put back a $8 bunch of asparagus!  And $13 worth of shitake mushrooms!

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However, I will admit that Earth Fare is actually CHEAPER than other grocery stores for a few basic things (the trouble is with the specialty items).   Earth Fare is awesome for buying bulk grains, nuts, or pasta.  Also, Earth Fare does have the greatest variety of organic produce.  The Earth Fare in-store brand is also quite affordable (and organic) – for example, Earth Fare BBQ sauce is $2.99 while Bone Suckin’ sauce is $4.99. 

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We managed to escape Earth Fare only $120 poorer – which, honestly, I consider a major accomplishment.  We probably won’t do a major shopping trip for another two weeks (although we’ll clear through this produce in 5 days or so).

 

So, what did we buy?

 

Produce

Two oranges

Two pears

Four apples

Two kiwi

Parsnips

Huge bunch of spinach

(All organic)

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Two bunches of bananas (I’ll wait for one to ripen and then peel and freeze it for smoothies)

Broccoli

Kale

Ginger

Sprouts

Pepper

Frozen cranberries and blueberries (for smoothies)

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Dairy/Dairy-Like

Greek yogurt

So Delicious Coconut Milk coffee creamer (so yum)

Almond Milk

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‘Splurge’ Prepared Items (Damn Earth Fare!)

Quorn meatballs

Almond grain burgers

Vegan bulk bin ravioli

Amy’s Roasted Vegetable No-Cheese Pizza

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Grains

Two loaves of bread

Puffed rice (making granola bars tomorrow)

Whole wheat buttermilk pancakes

Shredded wheat cereal

Bulk bin oatmeal

Bulk bin millet

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Randomness

Wolfgang Puck soups

Earth Fare BBQ sauce

Earth Fare Pasta Sauce

Olives

Chocolate PB

Local honey

Eggs

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It was QUITE the grocery haul!  Our fridge is now packed.  A packed fridge makes me happy.  🙂

 

Onto today’s post-10 mile eats:

 

I bought myself a box of discounted Valentine’s Day chocolates and ate five pieces.  Um, yum.  No shame that I bought myself a heart-shaped box of chocolates, either.  Even if the woman at the counter kind of giggled.

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A blueberry, banana, almond milk, and protein powdered smoothie:

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And the Husband was responsible for this lovely dinner.  He cooked up that vegan Amy’s pizza and added goat cheese to my half.

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AMAZING.

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With roasted potatoes and broccoli.  With some BBQ sauce for dippin’!

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I have some work to do tonight – I have an Operation Beautiful presentation tomorrow at UNC of Charlotte.  So excited!

 

Have a wonderful evening.

 

Do you shop at an organic/foodie specialty store like Earth Fare or Whole Foods?  What do you love/hate about it?

{ 104 comments }

 

  • kalli@fitandfortysomething February 22, 2011, 8:39 pm

    that store reminds me of whole foods…..i try to stay away because it is tooooo wonderful. 120 is good-you did not go overboard!

  • Holly @ Couch Potato Athlete February 22, 2011, 8:41 pm

    I try to stay away from WF — I can easily drop $200 — I wish I was kidding. I don’t know if you put TJs in that category — but I go there twice a month at the most, and then I use my regular old grocery store — they have decent selection, good prices and halfway decent produce.

    I would love to shop at WF more because their produce/meat selection is awesome — and it is so fresh, but the price keeps me out of there.

  • Maura February 22, 2011, 8:44 pm

    You are going to make a good mom with that stellar “No No” face!

  • Bronwyn Coyne February 22, 2011, 8:49 pm

    Oh I love whole foods. <3 The lovely set up, the made in store items, just the whole general atmosphere. AMAZING.
    I hate the prices however. So I rarely go, because I cannot afford a fricking thing. At all. It stinks. 🙁

  • Ashley February 22, 2011, 8:50 pm

    I just want you to know that I LOVE these posts! This grocery series is the best – I love to see what you guys get because I have similar tastes (though I’m a meaty). I love to compare grocery expenses! : )

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey February 22, 2011, 8:52 pm

    I love having a full fridge too – my fridge is the fullest it has been in months. I’m loving it.

  • Kath February 22, 2011, 8:53 pm

    I lurrrrrrve EarthFare! I miss it. And you could be ME in that photo – I have that same GOTR shirt!

    • Caitlin February 22, 2011, 9:09 pm

      Do you wag a finger at Matt??

      • Kath February 22, 2011, 9:18 pm

        No, it’s usually the other way around 🙁

  • Evan Thomas February 22, 2011, 8:53 pm

    I shop at Whole Foods for pretty much everything, mostly because there are 2 only a mile away and the other grocery store nearby isn’t cheaper. If I could, I would throw everything I see in the shopping cart, but I try to limit myself(read: My wallet limits me) to just getting the essential, which usually means produce, tofu, meat if it’s on sale, and chocolate chips(this is 100% an essential).

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing February 22, 2011, 8:54 pm

    Oooo I loooove Earth Fare!!

  • Courtney @ The Granola Chronicles February 22, 2011, 8:55 pm

    Have you ever looked into joining a CSA program? I absolutely love mine – fresh, organic produce delivered weekly! It’s also so much cheaper – just FYI! 🙂

    • Caitlin February 22, 2011, 9:09 pm

      We are going to join one soon!

  • Tina February 22, 2011, 8:55 pm

    Amy’s roasted veggie pizza is one of my favorites! I just bought Whole Foods version of it and am curious to see if they taste similar. Earth Fare looks like a supermarket by me called Wild by Nature, its essentially a smaller version of Whole Foods, so basically its health food heaven. I am the same way as your husband and run through the isles like a little kid grabbing all the fun health food goodies, my boyfriend might have to put one of those kiddie leashes on me the next time we go to Whole Foods!

  • Lauren February 22, 2011, 8:55 pm

    I love grocery posts, but I cannot afford too much specialty foods in college. I make sure to buy produce though, and bulk grains is a cheap way to go. I love local co-ops near me (there’s no Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s in my state!), but I tend to spend way much time in it. I like to look at all the amazing goodies!

  • Sarah @ The Strength of Faith February 22, 2011, 8:56 pm

    Well, you would have been $128 dollars poorer if you have bought the asparagus …

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) February 22, 2011, 8:58 pm

    I love the selection but hate the price at stores like that! Looks like you got a lot for your money, though. Chocolate PB is essential 🙂

  • suki @ [Super Duper Fantastic] February 22, 2011, 8:58 pm

    Earth Fare seems just like Whole Foods! We also have a place called Rainbow Coop which is great, but seemingly more than Whole Foods. We get a lot of our stuff at Costco because the ones near me have been good about stocking what people like to buy, which leans towards the natural and organic! 🙂

  • Amanda (Eating Up) February 22, 2011, 8:59 pm

    A packed fridge makes me happy too!

  • Maryea @ Happy Healthy Mama February 22, 2011, 9:01 pm

    I shop at a local specialty grocery store that I just love. I love the hard to find items but it is definitely expensive.

  • Lee February 22, 2011, 9:05 pm

    I shop at Whole Foods maybe once a month. I do sometimes eat lunch there, I don’t know if that counts.

  • Heather February 22, 2011, 9:06 pm

    Love WF, but i have to limit trips there bc it is just too expensive to go there every trip

  • annette @ enjoyyourhealthylife February 22, 2011, 9:09 pm

    I love Whole Foods- but only go once in awhile b/c it is $$$ for too often. Hey, I just roasted veggies in the oven for dinner as well! Yummmmy- and I love that you bought yourself chocolate- that rocks 🙂

  • Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) February 22, 2011, 9:11 pm

    I shop at TJ’s, Whole foods and Kroger. We also get our gluten free stuff from The Natural Food Warehouse. I need to go to Earthfare next time I am in Charlotte. I LOVE going to health food stores!

  • sarah (sarah learns) February 22, 2011, 9:16 pm

    i love whole foods because of their bulk products and the few things that they carry that i can’t find anywhere else. i do NOT do the majority of my shopping there though – so expensive!

  • MIRANDA February 22, 2011, 9:16 pm

    I love these grocery shopping posts! Keep ’em coming!

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat February 22, 2011, 9:20 pm

    Oooh Earth Fare sounds like a place I could spend hours in – just like Whole Foods! The nearest Whole Foods is an hour from where I live, which is a good thing or I’d be completely broke! I love how knowledgeable the staff are there, and how willing they are to help you out. I’ve never seen an upset employee! I also love how wholesome all the products are, the freshness of the produce, and the ethical values of the company. What do I not love so much? Probably obvious.. the higher prices!

  • Baking 'n' Books February 22, 2011, 9:24 pm

    I’ve never tried that pizza – but the crust looks so good on it! I stayed away because there’s no cheese on it – but (duh) I could just add my own of course.

    Only 2 oranges and pears? I usually get a whole bag for me 🙂

    How often do you need to grocery shop by the way?

  • Ashley February 22, 2011, 9:25 pm

    Come to UNC of Wilmington!!! Puleeaasssseee.
    Your eats look really good, I didn’t know Amy’s made vegan pizza maybe I wasn’t looking hard enough. I’ve never heard of an Earthfare but I’m all for buying in bulk. Waaayyy better for the environment. Have a lovely evening!

  • Stacy @ Every Little Thing February 22, 2011, 9:29 pm

    Do they take coupons there? I’ve been using more and more coupons at Whole Foods and saving a TON of money on organic items.

    Also, you might be able to get a lot of your produce, eggs, dairy, grains, and greens cheaper when you buy them at the farmer’s market! Plus you’re supporting your community. There’s prob a winter one near you somewhere, until they start next month!

  • Katy (The Singing Runner) February 22, 2011, 9:35 pm

    I occasionally shop at Whole Foods because I can get my bulk items there- I once every month to month and a half. Most of my shopping is done at Publix…where shopping is a pleasure. 😉

  • Bronwyn February 22, 2011, 9:37 pm

    We have a foodie shop called ‘Nosh’ in New Zealand – it has amazing organic and free range meats, plus the best cheeses and deli selection ever. the best thing is that they always have yummy tasters on offer (especially where cheese is concerned!) plus they have a cafe where they make really good coffee and poached eggs too – its almost worthy of a day trip on a saturday! only bad side is we spend wayyyy to much money there….but I would rather spend more money on a smaller quantity of good meat!

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) February 22, 2011, 9:39 pm

    I shop at Whole Foods because it is one of the few places I can get foods I’m not allergic to or a variety of grains and beans.

    I also shop at our co-op to get local produce that is organic but not certified. I know many of the farms so I know their growing practices. And the money stays local.

  • sarah k. @ the pajama chef February 22, 2011, 9:44 pm

    thankfully, the nearest WF or TJs is over an hr away so i don’t go too often – just every 6-8 weeks when we go out of town. our local natural grocery store is sooooo expensive that i don’t even bother usally. 🙂

    ps way to go with the chocolates 🙂

  • Sara @ OurDogBuffy February 22, 2011, 10:12 pm

    I love Trader Joe’s and find it is often cheaper on most items we eat. I LOVE Wholefood’s! I mainly only buy their store brand of some items. Their hot bar is super tempting too. Sadly, we don’t have an Earth Fare. We have Fresh Market but it’s a bit pricey. We (I’m in Richmond, Va.) have a local store called Ellwood Thompson’s that is very foodie-friendly and organic. Money limits me on a lot of items. I feel like we go to the grocery store all the time and we spend a lot on food. But we don’t eat out by ourselves much either. (Just w/ our parents.) Good job! Makes me hungry.

  • Parita@myinnershakti February 22, 2011, 10:35 pm

    The selection and quality bring me in but the prices are sometimes too much to handle. I think that’s why I love TJs so much…it’s more reasonable and the quality is just as great. On a side note, I love Quorn products…yum!

  • Krista @ Journey to a Healthy Berg February 22, 2011, 10:46 pm

    I love Amy’s frozen pizzas! My favorites are the mushroom and olive, spinach, and the white pizza. soooo goood

  • Lesley February 22, 2011, 10:55 pm

    I may have a controversial opinion here. I agree that we should be sensible about how much we spend–on everything, but I do think there are greater advantages and intangible benefits from shopping locally, eating organic foods, purchasing fair trade, etc. Also, some of our friendly “low cost leaders” may be great for you, the end user, but those low, low prices also illustrate how these businesses might be treating suppliers. Squeezing all of the profit, or making it hard for a mid-sized food producer to have a presence or make any $. That is why smaller, mid priced grocers are awesome: awesome food, great selection–that also likely supports regional food producers.

    • Caitlin February 23, 2011, 8:50 am

      Thank you for giving me good ammo for spending more on groceries 🙂 I agree! It’s kind of like Walmart vs. local stores. Cheaper prices doesn’t mean it’s ‘better’.

  • Lizz @ Leading the Good Life February 22, 2011, 11:01 pm

    That Amy’s pizza is sooooo good! I am a cheese-lover and can thoroughly enjoy that pizza without cheese. 🙂

  • Courtney Leigh February 22, 2011, 11:04 pm

    One day I went to whole foods and spent $2.53 – the least I’ve ever spent there.

    I try and hit the farmer’s market on Saturday’s for meat and eggs. (Grass fed beef from WH is 3.5 times more than from my local guy!) I hit WH for bulk items and things I can’t get anywhere else for the most part. The problem is that it is on my way home from work. (It’s less than a mile away from the office actually – I walked there during lunch once.) So sometimes I stop by for last minute dinners and well I spend well more than that $2.53

  • Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table February 22, 2011, 11:20 pm

    Luck you with the Earth Fare! I loved that store when I lived in Athens. My sister is loving their hot bar now in Auburn.

    How are the almond burgers? Have you had them before?

    • Caitlin February 23, 2011, 8:49 am

      I have not so I’ll be sure to review them when we snack on them!

  • Jaclyn February 22, 2011, 11:47 pm

    We don’t have Earthfare in the NW. The almond millet burgers look great!! I shop at Trader Joe’s for the cheap stuff, but at Whole Foods too. I love that they have a huge selection, interesting stuff, mostly organics and free samples (!!!!!) Don’t love the expensive prices. I feel like I”m pretty (really) good at not spending 8 on a bunch of asparagus, but every once in a while you do have to splurge on 8 worth of ahmazing kale chips (every once in awhile!)

    Anyway, great recap, good eats! Love that Amy’s pizza!

  • Runeatrepeat February 22, 2011, 11:52 pm

    I love Whole Foods, but can never walk out of there without a juice from their juice bar ($6.00 hello) or a trip to their hot food bar.
    Wait. Who am I kidding? I get both.

    Do you guys still have a Costco card? They have that almond breeze.

    • Caitlin February 23, 2011, 8:49 am

      We do but the Costco is so far away! Bah.

  • Jessica M February 22, 2011, 11:56 pm

    Ohh. I love that Amy’s Pizza. Soooooo good.

  • Rachel @ Healthy Teacher February 23, 2011, 12:48 am

    We have no Earth Fare. We are the 10th, or thereabouts, most unhealthy city in the US. Go figure.

  • Christine February 23, 2011, 12:49 am

    I LOVE Whole Foods, but the closest one is a two hour drive from here. We are getting one closer later this year, and I can’t wait! It is terribly expensive though. The closest Trader Joe’s is several hours from here, so I’ve never been there. I hope to someday not live in the middle of nowhere.
    My favorite Amy’s pizza is the Margherita; I always stock up on the single serving sizes when I do get to go to Whole Foods.

  • Marissa C February 23, 2011, 12:50 am

    We have Central Market here…think Whole Foods in maze format. Better bakery than Whole Foods, though! They having amazing hummus.

  • Marina February 23, 2011, 1:17 am

    That store pretty much looks like heaven to me! We don’t have stores like that in my country, but I’m sure I would spend a fortune every time :))

  • Karen February 23, 2011, 1:56 am

    I know you are totally up on healthy foods, and you probably know this already and have your own reasons for buying them organic, but… I’ve read that anything that you don’t eat the skin — or has a thick skin — you don’t have to worry about getting organic. Like oranges, bananas, kiwi.
    Maybe it could save you a few bucks?
    Not trying to tell you your business though!!

    • Caitlin February 23, 2011, 8:48 am

      I like advice!

      I’m familiar with the Dirty Dozen list but my Husband believes in eating 100% organic produce…. Even if the skin is thick, the chemicals are still taken up via the roots.

      • Cyclist Kate February 23, 2011, 10:54 am

        and they still end up in the environment.

      • Karen February 23, 2011, 12:49 pm

        That makes total sense, of course. See, I knew you’d have a reason that wasn’t obvious to me! hahaha

  • Lauren February 23, 2011, 6:52 am

    I wish we had an Earth Fare around here. It looks even better than Whole Foods.

    That pizza is truly the best frozen pizza I’ve ever had!

  • Sarah (Running To Slow Things Down) February 23, 2011, 7:24 am

    I love whole foods’ selections. Their bulk bins = amazing. Their cheese selections = to die for.

    I just wish the produce was more affordable. Occasionally, they’ll have a great sale, and things usually get cheaper in the summer months when more local farmers start to sell their stuff. But it can get ridiculously pricey, so I usually only go their every so often.

    (p.s. because, unfortunately, I’m more like your husband than you when grocery shopping. I can’t exhibit any willpower in the isles!)

  • Allison B February 23, 2011, 7:48 am

    I’m in the boonies, so TJ, WF, EF are NO WHERE near me. But, there is a perk!! One of the Food Lion’s had organic pancake mix for $1.25 (snagged 2), bulgur for $.92 (I bought what was on the shelf!), and soup mix for $1.67 (again, bought what was on the shelf!) and often the vegan waffles (a kids must) get marked down to $1.25…insanity and then the extra freezer gets stuffed.

  • Erin @ The Grass Skirt February 23, 2011, 7:49 am

    I shop at Earth Fare. I kind of have to though since I give lectures there. 🙂 I’m a sucker for the bulk bins. I loved seeing all that you bought there. You did pretty well! Amy’s Pizza is my favorite (especially since I can get it without cheese).

  • Kara February 23, 2011, 7:59 am

    Every time I bring my husband grocery shopping, it’s at least 20 dollars more than usual! Sometimes I don’t even know how that happens, until we get home and I find fancy dips (that I could easily make) and chips. 🙂

    I’d love a store like Earth Fare around here, but our only option is a tiny overpriced health food store (seriously overpriced, like 6 dollars for a box of Puffins), so I just get organic stuff at the commissary and Target (which has a surprisingly cheap and wide selection!)

  • Kristyn February 23, 2011, 8:36 am

    Earth Fare reminds me of what we have up here called Wegmans. I don’t know if they are all the way out in the ‘burgh where you were for awhile. They are to die for, as well. And also expensive. They have bulk just like that and a HUGE bakery area. It’s definitely a foodie grocery store like Earth Fare. I’m osessed because it’s really the closest thing we have to a TJ’s or Whole Foods. Those are few and far between up here in the Jersey boonies bordering PA. =)

    • Caitlin February 23, 2011, 8:47 am

      I LOVE THE WEGMAN’S SALAD BAR.

      • Jen February 23, 2011, 9:46 am

        Me too! I moved to Buffalo this summer and encountered my first Wegmans… I’m hooked haha.

        • Kristyn February 23, 2011, 6:23 pm

          It’s an addiction. =) Their salad bar is so key. nom nom nom! gooooo weggie’s! and they have that adorable coffee bar and their carts have coffee cup holders. *swoooon*

  • Beth @ DiningAndDishing February 23, 2011, 8:39 am

    My sister and I allow ourselves a trip to Whole Foods once a month. It is lovely but so pricey! Once a month allows me to stock up on all my favorite items without going totally broke :).

  • Camille February 23, 2011, 8:41 am

    That looks like an awesome grocery store!
    I am actually really glad there is nothing more expensive than Trader Joe’s in my town. We spend enough on groceries as is!

  • Stephanie February 23, 2011, 9:06 am

    I do most of our shopping at Whole Foods (all meats, dairy, etc.) and supplement a few things at the “regular” grocery store. I don’t know what I’d do without that store!!

    Glad to see some Chobani in the mix too. I’m doing a giveaway at my site for the new flavors it you want to check it out 🙂

  • jassy February 23, 2011, 9:14 am

    i don’t think there is anything like that here 🙂

  • Stephanie February 23, 2011, 9:39 am

    I love Earthfare! It’s my favorite store. It is hard to say no to the specialty items. I get most of my organic produce from TJ’s since it is cheaper. But the bulk section at EF as well as their organic dairy and the fact that they accept coupons keeps them on my weekly list!

    You can also sign up for their weekly emails and they were giving out a free dinner! It was a box of those veggie burgers (we got those almond grain ones – yumm!), a bag of organic carrots, and prepared mashed potatoes from the deli. They also send other various freebies about twice a month. 🙂
    http://earthfare.com/Welcome-Home.aspx

    • Caitlin February 23, 2011, 9:49 am

      OOOOOOOOOOOO thank you!

      • Macrae February 23, 2011, 10:41 am

        I was going to say this too! The coupons expire really quickly, but are really good!

  • Ashley (The Vegetable Life) February 23, 2011, 9:41 am

    I love whole foods but I truthfully cant afford it ususally so I just go for certain items like the bulk bar or some fresh seafood.

  • Alayna @ Thyme Bombe February 23, 2011, 9:42 am

    Yeah, I love WF but try not to go more than once a month and never purchase more than one “special” item while there. We have another one that I think is local only called Return to Eden that is amazing. They carry a lot of unusual, rare, and ethnic items that I never see anywhere else. The bulk of our shopping is done at a local farmers market which is really more of an international food warehouse, it’s soooo cheap but you really have to be careful about what you select as not everything is quality stuff.

  • Kathie February 23, 2011, 9:45 am

    I have to sometimes leave my hubby at home for the same reasons!! It is so much cheaper when he does not go. LOL!!!

    Great haul tho!! A fully stocked fridge makes me happy also.

    I also bought myself a box of valentine’s day chocolates. Hey! We are independent and strong women! If we want the chocolate, we can get the chocolate. 😉

  • Alex @ Healing Beauty February 23, 2011, 9:49 am

    I shop at Whole Foods (my cousin likes to call it Whole Paycheck) for the items I can’t get at my regular grocery store. I love all of the organic, raw, vegan, and vegetarian options and I could spend hours just looking there. I love the feeling I get when I eat the food I buy from Whole Foods…I just feel like I’m treating my body well, although the major downside is the cost!

  • JenATX February 23, 2011, 9:50 am

    i bought myself a heart shaped box of chocolates too haha.. i was going to share them w/ my boyfriend but then ended up opening the box in the car on my way home

  • Clarissa February 23, 2011, 9:58 am

    I love Whole Foods! I live just a few blocks away from one here in NYC. The problem is there is the groceries to cook one dinner-for-two is about $45-50! I miss suburban grocery stores…

  • AllieNIc @ Frisky Lemon February 23, 2011, 10:02 am

    I shop at Whole Foods a lot– it’s the closest grocery store to my house, so when I need something, I can literally run out the door and get it!

    I love the variety–and how fresh and colorful the produces is! I tend to get super carried away with all of the unique products through…that could be considered a downside because of the money I spend, but an upside because I have a ton of awesome, healthy things to eat afterward!

  • Ash February 23, 2011, 10:17 am

    I have to leave the mister at home too! My grocery bill rises drastically when he comes with me!

  • Tami February 23, 2011, 10:22 am

    have you ever thought to make your own bread? i started last year and we haven’t bought a loaf of bread since.

  • Jodie February 23, 2011, 10:27 am

    Hey Caitlin! Would LOVE to see your recipe for the puffed rice granola bars you are going to make!! BTW….great job on the 10 miler the other day!

  • Allison February 23, 2011, 10:38 am

    Earth Fare has printable coupons online. I print them to use at Publix and Whole Foods since we don’t have an EF.

  • Kacy February 23, 2011, 10:39 am

    We have Akins here, and I used to go a lot but then got frustrated because I would always blow my grocery budget. We’re getting a Whole Foods (but it probably won’t be built before I move to D.C.) and I know I’d go there just because of the hot bar and salad bar, but not very often for groceries.

  • Fawn February 23, 2011, 11:28 am

    The thing I hate and love most about shopping at whole foods is that I have such appreciation for quality produce that I can’t pick up a package of button mushrooms from acme or shoprite without squirming, leaving the store and going to whole foods for it. Sure, mushrooms from whole foods are two dollars more but they are organic and the people who pick them are not mistreated mexican men working in dangerous conditions in the mushroom capital, kennett square. Sorry that was kind of a rant!

  • Ashlee February 23, 2011, 11:54 am

    Hi Caitlin! I’ve become an dedicated reader of your blog. I love it! I know that you talk a lot about stopping the “self hate” and I thought I’d share this article with you. I found it on glamour.com and it’s about how 97 percent of women will be cruel to their bodies today instead of appreciating them for what they are… You might like to share this with your readers. Thanks and keep up the good work!

    http://www.glamour.com/health-fitness/2011/02/shocking-body-image-news-97-percent-of-women-will-be-cruel-to-their-bodies-today

    • Caitlin February 23, 2011, 12:16 pm

      Thanks for passing this along!

  • Stephanie February 23, 2011, 12:10 pm

    We are the same way. Although there’s some double finger waggin when we go. hehe I hate the prices.

  • Johanna B February 23, 2011, 12:20 pm

    My cupboards are full, my freezer is full, my fruit bowl runneth over and therefore all is right with my world. I also started my day with a big green smoothie. Gotta get those nutrients in there.

  • Stacie @ Imperfectly Healthy February 23, 2011, 12:22 pm

    I love those types of grocery stores, but rarely go because we just don’t have the money to do so! I just try to make the very best choices at my regular grocery store.

    And no shame in buying those chocolates!!! 🙂

  • Amber K February 23, 2011, 12:30 pm

    I don’t have TJ’s, Earth Fare or Whole Foods near me. I do have a New Seasons that I go to once a week. It’s pretty much the only place I can find a whole aisle of gluten-free options. And the produce is top notch!

    And the Amy’s roasted veggie pizza (on the rice crust now) is my FAVORITE pizza ever. Definitely no cheese needed with that amazing caramelized onion sauce.

  • karen February 23, 2011, 1:06 pm

    Wow this store looks very nice and neat.

  • Sami February 23, 2011, 2:20 pm

    just fyi- i tried parsnips because of you….and am eternally grateful 🙂

    xoxo.

    • Caitlin February 23, 2011, 10:26 pm

      Aren’t they awesome??

  • Allison @ Happy Tales February 23, 2011, 3:07 pm

    Sigh… yes yes and yes, I love Earth Fare (aaand Trader Joe’s!). I hardly ever buy anything out of necessity when I go because right now, my budget can’t afford it. I do have a whole list of things I’m waiting to try, though! Ryan is always amazed at how I can spend *so much time* in these types of stores.

  • Charise February 23, 2011, 3:20 pm

    I do Whole Foods for specific items – bulk bin grains, when I need meat and can’t get to the farmer’s market, stuff like tofu, hummus, and soy milk that I also buy other places, and good cheeses and other “treats” that I really try to limit to 1 a trip. I rarely buy produce there except for the huge tubs of spinach and mixed greens unless I want to do a quick one-stop trip.

  • Dori February 23, 2011, 7:53 pm

    LOVE the No-Cheese Pizza. My stores all stopped carrying it in the smaller size, so I haven’t had it in forever, The sweet peppers = amazing. Best frozen meal ever.

  • Lily @ Lily's Health Pad February 23, 2011, 8:56 pm

    Since putting myself on a $50 weekly food budget, I no longer shop at Earthfare…too much kombucha temptation!!

  • Emily February 24, 2011, 9:10 am

    Frozen bulk section? Awesome. I am a bulk foods junkie, and it makes me excited that there is a bulk frozen section out there somewhere. 🙂

  • Shelley June 24, 2011, 8:14 pm

    Hey i know this is an old post but just wanted to tell ya, we are a family of 3 adults, 2 young children and 2 dogs, guess how much it costs up to do our food shopping?? we spend about $350 a week!!! Absolute craziness! Australia is SOOO expensive it is just nuts. We buy organic where possible and local so this amps up the price, but we don’t eat mass quantities of food or anything just normal portions. I’m actually trying to grow my own vegies to help cut the cost, wish me luck

    • CaitlinHTP June 24, 2011, 10:10 pm

      It is pricey! 🙂 Good luck with gardening!

  • Cindie Fanning September 23, 2011, 1:04 pm

    While I know the economy has everyone watching their pocketbooks, as they always should, I think it is very important that we support stores that bring us good, healthy food that is free of the additives that are so bad for everyone. If we stay away from these retailers and they don’t survive the current economic situation, we will just regress to where we don’t think of what we put into our bodies again. I hate to be a “Debbie Downer” and get all serious about this, but we’ve got to make some sacrifices now, so that the future will find us all in a better place.

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