Wow! I am hungry for everything I see – especially in the Bakery section. Recently my spouse and I decided to alter some of our food and eating habits. I found it quite easy to do that while stretched out in my recliner and just talking about it. Kind of a challenge when actually pushing the cart up and down the aisles. I enjoy doing most of the grocery shopping for our house (actually, we live in a condo). It is a personal social outing with myself by myself. Very seldom in a hurry. Usually go to the same two stores (one green, the other yellow) so I don’t get lost in the midst of everything.
Some time ago, after the ‘green’ store rearranged their Produce section without consulting me, I found myself in unknown territory. Panic began to set in. I realized I was in the Organic aisle. What to do? I feared being pounced upon by some of the products and force-fed into a vegetarian state of mind. So I got out of there quickly. Since that time, with my new awareness and intentions, I smile and wave as I go by that aisle. No fear. Just a growing healthy respect. I haven’t crossed the river to that side (yet, and maybe never will) but have found a new, non-judgmental wellbeing in considering them my colleagues rather than adversaries.
The other vegetables and fruit surround the Organic aisle to protect it from potential harm by callous unbelievers. And, with our new increased attention to plant-based foods, I spend a fair bit of time there. Oh, the asparagus is 2.99 when usually 6.99. Great. That will do us for servings at two suppers (I still have a hard time saying ‘dinner’ for the evening meal. Until recently, I thought you had to be smug Democrat from New York City to call it that). Ah, a smaller package of Mixed Spring Greens. That’s good. Barbara has suggested she would like a change of taste from the spinach which I bought in an unduly large volume a few weeks ago.
I need to draw strength from Produce because next stop is Bakery. Or, I should say, it used to be a full stop. I would examine birth dates for croissants and danish then do math for whether the large or small ones were a better buy. And the various donuts (chocolate, sprinkles, coconut, cream) beckoned to me from behind the glass door. The siren call has weakened a bit since new standards have now imprisoned each one in its own cellophane wrapping. I feel their pain since much of the aromatic and visual attraction has been shrouded by reflective plastic.
Yesterday was a particularly difficult time in Bakery. We have shifted to less use of bread. But a few weeks ago, when we were going to have a new soup for a few meals, I ‘caved’ and bought a beautiful round loaf of San Francisco sourdough. Right now I am reliving the joy of each slice. And there it was in front of me yesterday. That rotund loaf with artistic indents and sprinkled with just a dusting of flour on top. With white and black angel on each shoulder pressing in on my conflicted state of being, I finally broke through, turned my back in wilful disdain, and got my cart out of there. Maybe next time – when we have new soup for a few meals.
By the time I got to freshly barbecued chickens on their heated racks, I pretty much ‘had it together’ again. Just a whiff of that enticing aroma then I turned left into the Wellness section. Yes, that is what it’s called. And it is huge. Until recently it was foreign territory to me. But now I devote time to examine all the options for non-dairy milk. I have taken a liking to Unsweetened Oat but with Vanilla flavour. Almond also works. I am just a beginner but there are numerous other options for advanced learners.
At this point you may be thinking that I am now a vegan or, at minimum, a vegetarian. I would say neither but rather a Visitor to these realms of philosophy and lifestyle. Our present decision is to do more of plant-based whole food. We still love barbecued skewers of chicken and various vegetables. Fish and seafood are a regular pleasure. And, to officially welcome Spring when I open up my deck, I do plan to lovingly barbecue a good steak, sauté some mushrooms, and add some type of compatible potato.
I began by saying how difficult grocery shopping is now. That was a bit of hype to get your attention. The truth is, each time I leave the store having made good decisions (‘good’ in view of our current priorities), I feel more empowered to continue down this new road of discovery.