Updated: Dec. 2, 2023
Originally Published: Aug. 15, 2011
I have a little secret to share—one that might raise eyebrows among my fellow suburban moms. Here it is: I don’t shop at Whole Foods. (Gasp!) My reasoning? Well, it’s not that impressive. The nearest Whole Foods is a 15-minute drive longer than the closest grocery store, and let’s face it, that extra travel time feels like too much effort.
Honestly, if I ever did gather my three restless kids and venture that far to this organic paradise, I doubt they would let me in. Our family seems to straddle the line between striving for excellence and embracing a more relaxed approach. For instance:
- We drink organic milk, but it’s still from cows. I know, shocking, right? Milk from other animals?! How scandalous!
- I whip up homemade mac and cheese, but I rely on pre-packaged shredded cheese. Is it truly healthier than that powdered stuff in the box? Your guess is as good as mine.
- Our kids only indulge in fast food a couple of times a year, but we do allow them to have cheap, no-name freezer pops and Star Wars fruit snacks.
- I only buy organic produce if it’s on sale, but we do manage to consume fruits and veggies daily. (Hey, wine counts as my daily serving. Just saying.)
- We steer clear of soda, but we can demolish a family-sized bag of Cheetos quicker than you can say yellow dye #6.
- I don’t possess fancy reusable canvas grocery bags in trendy colors. Instead, I let cashiers pack my groceries into old-school plastic bags, which I recycle—using them for wrapping up toddler messes. Honestly, I think my kid’s diapers create more air pollution than land pollution anyway. (I know, I know, San Francisco—don’t come for me!)
- Cloth diapers? Nope! I didn’t use them for baby messes either. My washing machine is my best friend, and I’m not about to subject it to that!
- I might overuse baby wipes and paper towels, but I recycle like a pro! Every beer and wine bottle is carefully placed into our overflowing glass recycling bin. We do our part for the environment. (Except for the earlier points, of course.)
- I don’t typically buy juice boxes, but I do splurge on a giant jug of 100% apple juice a few times a year when the kids are under the weather (always store-brand, because frugality is key—even with a fever!).
I know I could do better, and I really want to! Otherwise, those heavenly doors to the organic wonderland, just a short drive away, will forever remain closed to me. But honestly, keeping up with the latest food trends is exhausting!
Remember when butter was considered bad, then good, and now it’s back in vogue? And don’t get me started on the milk debacle—soy milk was all the rage for a hot minute before almond milk took over, and now it’s all about coconut milk.
Come on, world! Can’t you give busy moms a breather? I’m trying my best (kind of), and at least my kids aren’t growing up surrounded by tobacco smoke like I did. Surely that counts for something, right? (Sure it does, as I pour myself my daily dose of fruit…)
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Summary:
This article humorously outlines the author’s reasons for feeling unworthy of shopping at Whole Foods, highlighting the contrast between ideal health choices and their family’s more relaxed approach. From using organic milk to indulging in processed snacks, the author shares relatable struggles faced by many parents trying to navigate food trends while raising their children.