I have a secret about supermarkets and me that I have only recently admitted to myself. Without fail every time I go to the supermarket I leave, in addition to my groceries, with something that I can eat instantly. Pre low carb it would be lollies or a ‘not so healthy’ muesli bar, more recently cherry tomatoes, a punnet of raspberries or a piece of fruit. Nothing wrong with that you might say, however I now realise that my frequent trips to the supermarket are driven by old habits and not a genuine need to purchase food!
This has been confirmed this week. I’ve been without a car for the last few days, so no trips to the supermarket. If I really needed to get to the supermarket I could get on my bike, but dammit that got stolen last week. So now I have turned it into an experiment to see how long I can hold out.
We certainly are not going hungry. Admittedly I stocked up with veges at the Sunday markets, the usual spinach, tomatoes, avocadoes, capsicum, cucumber, lettuce, and fresh herbs. I have sufficient meat in my freezer so that my lack of transport will never be life threatening! My low carb staples of eggs, nuts, cheese, yoghurt, and coconut oil along with a fridge full of fresh veges have kept us in wholesome snacks and varied meals. By Friday I will be making a Low Carb Lasagne, the perfect dish to use up any left over veges. If you have tried any of my recipes you will know that these low carb dishes taste better the next day and make great options for lunch at home or work.
A friend who dropped in expectedly enjoyed a handful of almonds with her coffee. My yoghurt is nearly finished, so it’s eggs for breakfast tomorrow. The last of my frozen berries coupled with coconut cream will be turned into Fresh Fruit Ice cream. If I get unexpected visitors some salami sandwiches and cheese on cucumber crackers will be served. Oh and a glass of wine, did I mention that I do have a little wine in my fridge!
I can live with it now but before I went ’low carb’ the possibility of going more than a day without going to the supermarket was unheard of. I think that habit has just hung around. Two and a half years low carb and while I am no longer driven by a quick sweet fix I am still sometimes affected by those old eating habits.
Until this week that is! I am to happy to say that I am 5 days supermarket free, I am not hungry (and I never was), and I can actually see into my fridge and cupboards as the food thins out! I am now going to sit on my deck with my last glass of Pinot, the Pinot I have managed to stretch out for the last week.
Out of Pinot? I’m feeling a walk to the supermarket coming on!! Unless the Pinot’s a habit I need to break too!
2 Comments
I am enjoying reading your blogs Julia, and I am trying to eat low carb and gluton free food.
My daughter passed on your news letter to me, she and her husband are following your eating regime and feeling better and fitter then ever.
Good luck and every success to you, and to me.
Best wishes Judi
Hi Judi. Thanks for your comment. I am very pleased that my blog is benefitting people and being shared, thats the goal. The stories of people who have made positive changes to their lives by cutting out sugar and reducing carbs are really inspiring and there are plenty of them. I have just started a study with 20 women who are trialling a low carb diet for 8 weeks, so I hope to add them to the list of those who have benefitted from a low carb lifestyle.