Our Weekly Grocery List Staples
THE STRUGGLE IS REAL
How many times have you opened the fridge at dinnertime only to feel like there’s ‘nothing to eat’? You might have a fridge full of ingredients, but if they’re random and not stocked with purpose, putting together a quick, healthy meal feels impossible. This was my reality for a long time until ordering out nearly every day just became the norm. That's when I realized a well-planned grocery list could make all the difference, and now it’s something I commit to every single week.
Between all the things we’re supposed to squeeze in each week, it’s easy to feel like meal prep is just another chore. But it doesn’t have to be. Meal prep doesn’t have to look like taking your entire Sunday afternoon to make food for the week. That’s not practical for everyone but what we’re led to believe.
My goal with grocery shopping is to keep a steady supply of go-to, nutrient-dense foods on hand so I can pull together nourishing meals without a lot of extra planning. When you have a solid list of basics you know nourishes you well, cooking at home becomes less about planning and more about making quick, flexible choices that fit your life.
Of course, the key to eating well at home is stocking your kitchen with multiple options to create healthy meals at any given moment. And I know this isn’t a new concept, but for many of us, it’s not the easiest thing to achieve—especially with a demanding work life, kids with a thousand activities, and the struggle to make a little time for yourself. But here’s the thing: you don’t need a perfectly curated fridge full of organic superfoods or a picture-perfect pantry. The goal is to keep it practical and realistic. Just having versatile staples on hand that you can throw together quickly makes a huge difference, and it doesn’t have to compromise quality or nutrition.
WHAT WORKS FOR US
For us, it’s all about whole foods that offer a lot of bang for their buck in terms of nutrients and versatility. We focus on nutrient-dense foods that work in a variety of meals: veggies that can be roasted, sauteed, or blended into a smoothie; proteins that are easy to prep in bulk and use in different dishes; and some fresh essentials that make meals feel vibrant without much effort.
Since our weekly go-tos don’t vary too much, the shopping list is easy to hit up in-store or order online. Having a list to check off as you go helps you stick to the plan, make sure you don’t forget any staples, and avoid those tempting distractions that don’t serve your goals! (Hello pumpkin-flavored cookies!)
While this list covers our weekly grocery haul, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. We also rely on some pantry and freezer staples and those must-have condiments and spices that bring everything together in a pinch. I’ll share more on those in the next post, but for now, here’s what our typical weekly grocery haul looks like, broken down into produce, proteins, and a few miscellaneous favorites. Enjoy!
