Too Many Options

Grocery shopping. Just the words make me feel a sense of stress. Cabinets need to be checked, the fridge needs to be cleaned, lists need to be made, and then there are the options! Where should I shop? What store has the best produce? The best meats? The best prices? Do they offer organic options? The list goes on and on.

Stepping into a Stop and Shop or a Hannaford used to be the norm for me. I never thought twice about the fact that there were 60 different types of cereal or 7 different brands of chicken breast. I would just grab what looked most familiar and keep working down my carefully thought out list. Of course I would also get things that weren’t needed on the list, note to self: never shop when you’re hungry!

Then, I moved to Brookline and discovered Trader Joes. At first I thought “where is everything? How can I possibly get all the food I need here? This place is so small, there is no way that it has the things I am looking for”, but I have converted! In a world that is overwhelmed with consumerism, brands, marketing, and too many options, Trader Joes is a wonderful change of pace.

Yes, they still have a brand, but it’s just their brand. No more looking at 6 different types of chicken breasts, it’s just “do I want organic or not?”. Simple as that! Going back to other stores is now an extremely overwhelming process with too many options. Simplicity is best, especially when it comes to food!

Also, if you are wondering what the must haves are at Trader Joes are, here are some of my families favorites:

Steamed Chicken Soup Dumplings

These only take 3 minutes in the microwave, and they are simply delicious. Warm them up and put them in a thermos for you or your kids for lunch. You’ll thank me later!

Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend

This can go on anything, but I like it best on any Asian style meal. Sauté some tofu with veggies and soy sauce and sprinkle this on top! It’s a fast and yummy meal.

Organic Super Bread

I first had this when a colleague brought me a breakfast sandwich she made at home, and I fell in love. I am a creature of habit, so I still like it best as a sandwich with scrambled eggs. Don’t let the ingredients scare you (it has pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, carrots and dried apples), this is the perfect bread for a hearty breakfast sandwich!

Peppercorn-Garlic Boneless Pork Tenderloin

I am not one that typically likes to get meats that are pre-marinated, but this one is excellent. It can be cooked in the oven as is, or thrown in a crockpot for 10 hours with some gravy and then shredded. You can’t go wrong with this meat.

Cheddar Rocket Crackers

If you liked Goldfish as a kid, you’ll love these! I can’t quite explain how, but these are better and feel airy. Just trust me and try them.

There are many more, but this will get you started!