Buying fresh vegetables

Buy assorted foods that are in season and be creative!

The easiest way to eat healthier is to buy the majority of your groceries at a fresh fruit and vegetable market. My rule of thumb is to always go to the market first, and buy 80% of my groceries. When you are on your way home, then go to the store. You are much less likely to buy prepackaged crap at the grocery store. Today for example I bought a bunch of fresh veggies, canned beans and instant oats for less than $11. Since I can buy things in small servings it makes cooking for one or two much easier without wasting or having too many leftovers.

Here is an overview of what I bought, for yes, under $11:

• Red bell pepper
• Italian pepper
• Poblano pepper
• Roma tomatoes
• Red Onion
• Zucchini
• Chinese eggplant
  
• Cucumber
• Arugula
• Parsley
• Artichoke
• Peaches
  
• Large container of quick cooking oats
• Kidney, black and garbanzo beans

Obviously the biggest reason that people order to-go foods or prepackaged foods is the time and effort needed to prepare fresh foods. The trick is to buy most of your produce on Sunday or the day before you busiest week. Prepare all the veggies for optimal storage and quick cooking.



Directions:

• Slice onions into rings
• Cut peppers into strips
• Cut zucchini into strips
• De seed tomatoes and cut into chunks
• Wash and dry parsley
  
• Wash and chop arugula
  
  
  *Keep all cut veggies in airtight containers in fridge

**I would suggest leaving cucumbers whole, otherwise they will go bad much quicker

I will feature recipes with these foods for the week to give you and idea of how versitile they can be with the addition of a few additional kitchen staples.