Those Tongue Biting Moments

I always get a kick out of the first week after the new year in my grocery store. Many would consider my grocery store, although higher priced, the healthier grocery store thanks to its policy of refusing to sell anything with really bad ingredients  and its green reputation.

I was curious this week to see what the turn out would be this week, especially with the economy. Pulling into the parking lot and getting one of the best spaces there, I realized the family budget was higher on the resolution list this year than health.

But that's not to say there were not a few who decided to make this the year they got healthy :)

I can spot them pretty quickly. They look confused and they tend to really linger in produce. And then there is the look-- it's like a nun at Pink Floyd concert. I wait patiently behind them as I see them buying items they have been told are the healthy options.

Blueberries? Check.

Asparagus? Check.

Fresh tomatoes? Check.

And this folks is where I want to run up to them and take the items out their carts. Blueberries are out of season until the summer--they are overpriced, have been shipped from the other end of the world and will taste like cardboard. The asparagus? Honestly, high quality restaurants should be refusing these tasty stalks right now. They are a spring veggie, and like blueberries are way overpriced and will taste limp and give the vegetable the icky taste reputation it does not deserve. Tomatoes? Again, over-priced and shipped from far away. If you like your tomatoes to taste like a watery, grainy mess; winter tomatoes are for you, if you prefer tasty, juicy ones, hold off til August or go for canned (seriously).

My guess is these shoppers with all the best intentions will first fight the urge to keel over when they get the grocery bill, and then go home and find that healthy food is nasty. Soon, the overpriced, out of season food is thrown in the trash; and shopper who wanted to get healthy finds herself running for a Big Mac.

Every time I see these shopper mistakes, I want to take out all the overpriced, under tasty stuff our of their cart and give them a tour of the whole produce department. Right now, citrus is in high season. Blood oranges can add a splash of unexpected red to dull lettuce leaves. Meyer lemons are here! They are amazing--add the zest to fish, chicken, plain yogurt. They are amazing. The apples are nearing the end of their season so take advantage--apples can dress up pork dishes, make a healthy dessert and a great after school snack with aged cheddar or peanut butter. And don't walk past the greens! Kale is amazing! It has been given the honor of one of the best cancer-fighting foods around. And it is in season right now!!! (I really love kale!) In Texas you can get local, organic kale for a little over a buck. Saute it with fish, add it to stews, add it to a pasta sauce. Endless possibilities. 

I seriously wanted to scream these words at new shoppers today. But I'm shy and I held it under my breath. I walked by them smiled and then reached over their carts for all the Meyer lemons ;)