Grocery staples, summer 2024 edition
I know it has been a couple weeks, so thank you for hanging in there as I try to figure out where I want this newsletter to go and when I can find the time to write meaningful posts. While I continue to do that, I thought I’d share an update on what I’m buying at the grocery store. My favorite staples seem to change by the season, and as we are almost out of spring (well, it’s 80 degrees in NYC today so I’d say it’s basically summer), I have some new favorites to share.
Joolies pitted dates
These. are. so. good. I used to be a solid banana + peanut butter before my early morning run person, and I’ve fully transitioned to these dates with peanut butter. They’re sweet and easily digestible, have lots of usable carbs and don’t go back quickly like bananas. Dates are also perfect to travel with if you want to run on a trip, as I did on my recent trip to Paris. I get mine at Whole Foods but they’re also on Amazon (in my opinion, the pitted taste better than the pit-free).
Rotisserie chicken
My motivation to cook a lot definitely wanes in the summer, and grabbing a rotisserie chicken to use for basically everything is so helpful. I use it for grain bowls, chicken salad, regular salads, etc.
Siggi’s Mango Passion Fruit Skyr
I am a sucker for anything passion fruit, and this has been hitting the spot for mid-afternoon snacks with some granola and/or fruit. I am always looking for snacks that have at least 10-15 grams of protein, and this is a very easy way to get in 15+ grams, depending on what you pair it with. It would probably taste even better if it had a bit more milk fat in it (currently 1.5%), so if you’re reading, Siggi…
Whole Foods Thick and Chunky Salsa
This is, hands down, my favorite salsa. I always crave more cold, fresh flavors in the summer, and I like to use this on egg tacos or breakfast burritos for lunch and dinner. It’s also of course delicious with some corn or pita chips as well.
Fresh raspberries
In winter/spring, I mostly stick to frozen berries because the fresh versions don’t taste great and are usually more expensive. Now that they’re closer to in season, there is nothing better than fresh raspberries. I usually have them on my morning oatmeal and with my above mentioned yogurt snacks.
Avocado toast ingredients
I go through phases with avocado toast, and I’m currently really enjoying it (usually for lunch when I’m at home on my days off). Through winter, avocados weren’t super great around here, but all of a sudden they’re really delicious and available again. I like using Dave’s Killer Bread thin sliced “21 whole grains and seeds” and pasture-raised eggs.
Rao’s pasta
Since most of the pasta dishes I make don’t require an oven, just a stove top, they are on heavy rotation in the summer. I always pick up at least one bag of Rao’s pasta every week and can confirm it’s the most delicious store-bought pasta. It’s great with this recipe and this one. I speak with my runner clients a lot about the benefits of cold pasta salad as both being good carb sources, and more appealing to have after a warmer run. Never underestimate a good pasta salad!
Electrolyte tabs/powders
It’s true our electrolyte needs increase in warmer months to account for sweat lost in the heat, especially if you’re running and exercising more intensely. Incorporating electrolytes can be extremely helpful to maintain hydration status and to help you feel good during activity and general life. I’ve always been a fan of Nuun, but there are plenty of others on the market now as well that are on my list to try.
*I am of course not being compensated from any of these links nor recommendations! These are just things I like