My daughter, Elli, is obsessed with Master Chef Junior. To be honest, I am too. How do these 6-year old’s know more spices than me and how to use to them? It’s amazing to watch. She asked if she could make a menu and cook for the family. I was delighted to help. She sent me to the store for chicken, carrots and avocados. Yes, so very basic. She seasoned her chicken, placed in skillet with ghee, seared on both sides and set aside. She seasoned carrots baked them in the oven. Elli cut up avocado and fresh tomato for a salad and drizzled with Tessamae Balsamic. To finish off the chicken, she fried an egg and placed on top. Friends, she was so proud and it was plated beautifully as you can see. The whole family enjoyed it. Chef Ramsay would have definitely awarded her a “white apron”.

I posted the pic to my Facebook page. There was a post on it that asked about the avocado salad. I gave him the recipe quickly. Soon after, I saw his wife. Puzzled, I engaged about his question of the salad. Her answer baffled me. She said “I don’t like avocados, so I don’t buy them. He loves them. I also don’t buy grapes because I don’t like them, but my family does.” I was like, I am sooooo using that on my blog today. She hit the nail on the head. She buys the groceries, and if she doesn’t like it then it doesn’t get put in the cart. How many of us do the same thing? GUILTY.

Here is a thought… Make that grocery list with everyone’s input. This way everyone will feel like they contributed. You may even notice a more eager bunch ready to unload the back end of your vehicle. It’s a family affair.   Don’t eat my avocado.

Many of us have the exact same grocery mannerism as our mother. We buy the same thing over and over again. Creatures of habit is what is it called. You are your mother. Reality is setting in.

Here are some things to think about and maybe start changing. Remember, change is hard but you won’t regret it.

• Shop the perimeter of the grocery store. Your fresh vegetables, dairy, meat, produce and fish are found there. Processed, boxed, sugar and junk lurk in the aisles.   I know… Your spices are in the center, along with coffee, nuts, peanut butter, and oils. Be mindful, you know what I am talking about.

• Don’t go to the store hungry. We have all done this. Your 5-item list has not turned in to the 25 or more-item list. Do you really need it?

• Stay focused. Get what you need and get out. This is not a vacation spot. Go somewhere else to hide from your children. Target is a wonderful place.

• What does your buggy look like? Is it bright and colorful? Or is it dull and full of boxes? Are you excited about cooking what is in your cart?

Start small and you will begin to see change in your grocery cart, at your home, in your meal planning, in your attitude and in your health.

Have a STRONG day!

Mitzi