I get my food news from Eater, NYT, regional outlets like LA Magazine, Angeleno, Thrillist, social media (Instagram for aspirational, TikTok to see trends since I'm in PR). I'm this sort of food shopper: I get 80% from the outer aisles (meat, fish, veggies, tofu, milk, cheese), then spend time perusing the frozen foods and cracker aisle, wondering which to get, and just as about to get something I'll read the label, see that it has 27 ingredients and ultimately put it back. It's not based on any sort of panic or worry but just like, hm, I don't need that, I guess I can bake a cookie if I really want it, ha. I do buy Trader Joe's peanut butter chocolate cups and recently bough the Tip of the Cone (more chocolate) but generally don't have a lot of processed food. That said, there is so much news about food borne illnesses lately so I'm worried about produce and meat. Also, aside from canned fish, the fish selection and quality in most grocery stores (even Whole Foods) is abysmal and the variety is so limited. In a perfect world I'd shop at the farmer's market all the time but it doesn't always happen, and the fish monger there is great but I can't really afford to spend $35/pound on fish on a regular basis. As the planet's temp rises, I wonder if this is our new normal - to get sick from even the whole foods we're buying in the store...?
I enjoy reading about what is healthy and why, usually in NYT or The Atlantic. I also reading food recipe websites, like Cookie and Kate, because I trust her recipes.
Re: pain points, I’m trying to feed my partner & myself a whole food diet while staying within budget. Some of the issues with that he has food allergies/sensitivities that he can’t get tested for, so it’s difficult to meet our fiber goals without some level of risk. I have some safe foods & have a coupon/rewards system set up that allows me to save money on some ingredients while splurging for higher cost items (like locally pastured/slaughtered/processed meat from my butcher, which is more expensive but more ethical & nutritious).
The main thing I can’t really get settled on are the contradictions in food research. It doesn’t seem like seed oils are actually unhealthy for us, and that it might be a pipeline to channel folks to the far right…? It’s hard to find whole food advice that isn’t apparently part of a conspiracy to turn me into a trad wife 🤷🏻♀️
I really appreciate your leaving a comment! The dilemma of finding whole foods at a lower cost is a good point. Two ideas come to mind. Shopping around more and getting to know the range of costs so you can jump on things when they're cheaper. I know Sprouts prices are cheaper than WF. Have you tried Grocery Outlet? I just scored some cheap organic US blueberries. Also arriving on the late side of a farmers market when farmers are selling for lower costs works. Just two ideas. I like dealing with the problem of where to go for our food advice. It's a big problem knowing who to trust and how much to read. Thank you again.
I haven’t heard of grocery outlet, but I’ll look into it! I mostly shop at Tom Thumb (absolutely fantastic rewards systems & coupons) but I’m hoping to make a habit of going to my local farmer’s market more often. Thanks so much for the work you do writing about these topics! I just got your book for Christmas & am super excited to dive into it.
Thoughts on school snacks. There is a lot of packaging / UPF in individually packed and labeled school snacks. The packaging and labeling is important to prevent consumption by kids with food allergies or dietary needs and I'm assuming that they're mostly UPF for cost reasons. Any thoughts on better school snacks while navigating those needs?
I love this question. I think kids are the front line for UPF because that's where familiarity and craving are cemented. Can you buy bulk dried fruit and package in small linen or beeswax sacks? I posted some granola bars that came in edible wrappers that seemed interesting, too. Dried chickpeas or edamame seem like a good option? And always carrots and apples. All of that takes time and I know kids are picky. You could make your own trail mix -- dried fruits, pumpkin seeds, coconut flakes. Anyways. Hope this helps!
I get my food news from Eater, NYT, regional outlets like LA Magazine, Angeleno, Thrillist, social media (Instagram for aspirational, TikTok to see trends since I'm in PR). I'm this sort of food shopper: I get 80% from the outer aisles (meat, fish, veggies, tofu, milk, cheese), then spend time perusing the frozen foods and cracker aisle, wondering which to get, and just as about to get something I'll read the label, see that it has 27 ingredients and ultimately put it back. It's not based on any sort of panic or worry but just like, hm, I don't need that, I guess I can bake a cookie if I really want it, ha. I do buy Trader Joe's peanut butter chocolate cups and recently bough the Tip of the Cone (more chocolate) but generally don't have a lot of processed food. That said, there is so much news about food borne illnesses lately so I'm worried about produce and meat. Also, aside from canned fish, the fish selection and quality in most grocery stores (even Whole Foods) is abysmal and the variety is so limited. In a perfect world I'd shop at the farmer's market all the time but it doesn't always happen, and the fish monger there is great but I can't really afford to spend $35/pound on fish on a regular basis. As the planet's temp rises, I wonder if this is our new normal - to get sick from even the whole foods we're buying in the store...?
Compelling stuff. I'm adding it to my book notes. Thank you for sharing! p.s. My favorite crackers are Flackers, which I could totally make at home.
I enjoy reading about what is healthy and why, usually in NYT or The Atlantic. I also reading food recipe websites, like Cookie and Kate, because I trust her recipes.
Re: pain points, I’m trying to feed my partner & myself a whole food diet while staying within budget. Some of the issues with that he has food allergies/sensitivities that he can’t get tested for, so it’s difficult to meet our fiber goals without some level of risk. I have some safe foods & have a coupon/rewards system set up that allows me to save money on some ingredients while splurging for higher cost items (like locally pastured/slaughtered/processed meat from my butcher, which is more expensive but more ethical & nutritious).
The main thing I can’t really get settled on are the contradictions in food research. It doesn’t seem like seed oils are actually unhealthy for us, and that it might be a pipeline to channel folks to the far right…? It’s hard to find whole food advice that isn’t apparently part of a conspiracy to turn me into a trad wife 🤷🏻♀️
I really appreciate your leaving a comment! The dilemma of finding whole foods at a lower cost is a good point. Two ideas come to mind. Shopping around more and getting to know the range of costs so you can jump on things when they're cheaper. I know Sprouts prices are cheaper than WF. Have you tried Grocery Outlet? I just scored some cheap organic US blueberries. Also arriving on the late side of a farmers market when farmers are selling for lower costs works. Just two ideas. I like dealing with the problem of where to go for our food advice. It's a big problem knowing who to trust and how much to read. Thank you again.
I haven’t heard of grocery outlet, but I’ll look into it! I mostly shop at Tom Thumb (absolutely fantastic rewards systems & coupons) but I’m hoping to make a habit of going to my local farmer’s market more often. Thanks so much for the work you do writing about these topics! I just got your book for Christmas & am super excited to dive into it.
OOh, look forward to hearing what you think. Pls leave me a review if you do like it :)
Absolutely, will do!
Thoughts on school snacks. There is a lot of packaging / UPF in individually packed and labeled school snacks. The packaging and labeling is important to prevent consumption by kids with food allergies or dietary needs and I'm assuming that they're mostly UPF for cost reasons. Any thoughts on better school snacks while navigating those needs?
I love this question. I think kids are the front line for UPF because that's where familiarity and craving are cemented. Can you buy bulk dried fruit and package in small linen or beeswax sacks? I posted some granola bars that came in edible wrappers that seemed interesting, too. Dried chickpeas or edamame seem like a good option? And always carrots and apples. All of that takes time and I know kids are picky. You could make your own trail mix -- dried fruits, pumpkin seeds, coconut flakes. Anyways. Hope this helps!