Lazy Girl Guide: Grocery Shopping For One
Add it to your resume!
This has definitely taken years for me to perfect, but I finally have my grocery shopping for one down to a science. This routine allows me to minimize waste and have a takeout week or dinner out every now and then if I want to. The ingredients will definitely vary person to person, and this might not be for you if you do not like repetition in your meals. For me, I love eating the same thing every day (very Virgo, I know).
You do not need to adhere to the brands I choose below, and can create different variations based on food/flavor preference and price point. Most of these will last a long time; the items to replenish on a weekly basis if you plan on cooking at home are eggs, spinach, parmesan, milks, and yogurt. I like to focus on meals with whole foods; I could list a bunch of microwaveable entrees but I need all the healthy nutrients I can get with my busy lifestyle! These are just the core meal ingredients, so feel free to tack on your favorite salad and burrito add-ons or snacks!
These meals are also meant for people with the preference of using minimal cooking skills (like me). I take the Lazy Girl level up a notch by ordering everything on Instacart (including Costco - no membership required), while also getting Delta points with each order. Double whammy!
**This does not take any dietary restrictions in mind, so if you have any feel free to drop me a line! I have tried most dietary preferences and can whip together a customized list for you. Please consult your doctor before making any major diet changes!
Breakfast
I am not much of a breakfast person so I prefer to delay the breakfast foods for lunch, and instead have my iced cappuccino’s and some yogurt. For the milk and yogurt, I know for a fact that I go through them in less than a week, but if you think they will perish untouched in your fridge then opt for a different, non-perishable breakfast!
TÁCHE Pistachio Milk (see store locator on website)
Smoothie Snack
I used to make my smoothies Erewhon and Kreation style using 20 different powders and ingredients, but it was hard to keep up with expiration dates and the long process of scooping them all out. Now, I keep it very simple with 4 ingredients. As long as you know you’ll want a smoothie most days of the week, you shouldn’t have to worry about the Almond Malk and Almond Butter perishing.
Almond Butter (I get small containers from the self-serve stations from the grocery store every week; jars have expired too fast for me in the past)
Frozen Organic Blueberries (I get the Huge Costco Bags)
**This is my favorite blender to make smoothies in (influenced by my best friend @tariromakoni)! The smaller screw-on top is perfect for a single serving!
Afternoon Snack
I discovered these beans at Erewhon when I first moved to LA, and was so intrigued! I love that these are protein packed, non-perishable, come in fun flavors, and are very filling. They do take some getting used to, but I quickly acquired the taste. You can also throw them in salads!
Lunch/Dinner
There are so many variations that you can make with the list below. I like to do a breakfast burrito for lunch, and a Sweetgreen-style salad (with pasta mixed in) for dinner. Things can also be swapped with a tuna salad for lunch, and salmon burrito for dinner. Extra condiment sauce jars can be added for a pasta night. I like hot sauce on my breakfast burritos and salads. Have fun with the options! Most of these last a long time so there will be some upfront costs, but you do not need to worry about throwing things out after a week. I normally buy spinach as my lettuce of choice, because I can cook it at the end of the week if there is a lot left.
Mayonnaise
Wild Frozen Salmon (Can Get a Huge Pack From Costco)
Organic Mushrooms (Cook Sooner Rather Than Later; Can Also Buy Frozen)
Olive Oil
Balsamic Vinegar
Sunflower Seeds (Or Any Crunchy Salad Topping)
Breakfast Sausage (Can Put in Freezer if Needed)
Lunch/Dinner Potential Recipes:
“Sweetgreen” Make Your Own Salad:
Organic Spinach
Cooked Organic Mushrooms
Cooked Organic Pasta or Brown Rice
Cooked Wild Salmon (Air Fryer) or Wild Tuna + Mayo
Sliced Hard Boiled Organic Egg
Organic Black Beans
Sunflower Seeds
Shaved Parmesan
Olive Oil + Balsamic or Hot Sauce
Breakfast Burrito:
2 Organic Eggs
1 Sliced Breakfast Sausage (Cooked with Egg Scramble)
Handful of Organic Spinach (Cooked with Egg Scramble)
1-2 Chopped Organic Mushrooms (Cooked with Egg Scramble)
Organic Flour Tortilla
Shaved Parmesan
Hot Sauce
Salmon Burrito:
Cooked Organic Brown Rice
Cooked Organic Spinach
Organic Black Beans
Organic Flour Tortilla
Cooked Wild Salmon (Air Fryer)
Shaved Parmesan
Pasta:
Cooked Organic Pasta
Marinara Sauce
Cooked Meatballs
Shaved Parmesan
Dessert
Wine is normally my dessert, but if I do indulge in a sweet treat, I always choose Craig’s Ice Cream!
