ibd transition
grocery haul

If there is one thing that has been a constant obstacle in my life it has been the grocery list. I know what is good for me and what I want to get but it seems that it is a frequent struggle to play the game of Trial And Error with my selections.

Everyone knows the formula: Eat Good = Feel Good.

There is, however, good news. Mother Nature has a way of putting all of the things we need to heal and grow in excellently packaged healing foods. In fact, many of the natural foods we eat contain entire cocktails of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals! All we have to do is “give [it] a nibble…” (Madagascar 2005).

Over time, and torturous trial and error, I have finally compiled a list of items that I can get at the grocery store that will give me everything I need to transition from the Standard American Diet to a WFPD diet that grows and heals my body. The best part is: It doesn’t have to be expensive! The list below varies slightly depending on what I am in the mood for however I generally spend about $100 – $150 every two weeks on these items! Also, I have a massive appetite that seemingly never goes away so don’t feel obligated to get your own groceries in this volume. The cost of healing is always worth it.

It is important to note that this list is meant to help you transition from the diet that no longer serves you to the one that will help you reach optimal health and vibrant life (The WFPB Diet). As you are transitioning, have grace with yourself and know that it is not a linear process. Enjoy your food and healing to come!

The List

Fruits / Vegetables

• 2 bundles of Bananas
• 1 case of Blueberries
• 1 case of Strawberries
• 1 bag of Clementines
• 2-3 Apples
• 3-4 Tomatoes on the vine
• 1 Cucumber
• 1 head of Lettuce
• 1 container of Greens (Spinach, Kale, & Chard)
• 1 bag of Celery
• 1 bag of Carrots
• 2-4 Sweet Potatoes
• 1 bag of California Blend (Broccoli, Cauliflower, Carrots)
• 1 Green Pepper
• 1 bag of Mini Sweet Peppers
• 1 Bag of Gold Potatoes

“Dairy”

• 2 cartons of Almond, Oat, or Soy Milk (one Vanilla, one Original)
• 2 bags of Dairy Free Cheese (one cheddar, one mozzarella)
• 1 tub of Dairy Free Butter

Carbohydrates

• 2-3 boxes of Chickpea Noodles
• 1-2 packages of Gluten Free Potato Gnocchi
• 1 sack of Rice
• 1 package of tortillas
• 1 bag of kettle-cooked potato chips
• 1 loaf of Gluten Free Sourdough Bread

Canned Goods

• 2-3 cans of Beans
• 2 cans of Minestrone Soup (Amy’s is the best hands down)
• 1 jar of Garden Vegetable Pasta Sauce

Frozen

• 1 bag of Tater tots
• 1 bag of Frozen Mango (for smoothies)
• 1 box of Gluten Free Waffles
• 2-4 dinners by Amy’s

Proteins

• 2 packages of Smokey Tempeh
• 1-2 packages of pre-cooked Tofu
• 1 bag of mixed nuts

The bottom line

Though shopping for groceries has taken a lot of time to get used to, I hope you feel confident in your selection knowing that (almost) everything in your cart will help transition to the diet that helps your body grow and heal! I mean, that is the ultimate goal, isn’t it? Clean eating doesn’t have to be a hassle, just make sure you are keeping an eye out for sales and try to plan your meals ahead of time when you can.

Pro Tip: NEVER, I repeat, NEVER grocery shop on an empty stomach! Things become far too tempting.

Until The End Of The Line,

Jake