Shopping at the market can definitely be overwhelming. What do you need for the week? What do you plan to make? These are questions I try to figure out before I head to the market, but I also improvise on occasion once I see the sales and the fresh seasonal produce.

It’s important for me to stay within a budget, because I used to go really overboard, and sometimes I really bought a lot more than I needed. I try to aim to spend around 50 dollars to feed myself for the week. There are a few purchases I made that weren’t really necessary, but it’s hard to escape Trader Joe’s without buying a few fun items, like the Pumpkin Butter, and S’Mores Bites.

My receipt:

• Coconut Chips Sweetened….1.99 (A must buy at TJs)
• Spring Water….0.69
• Organic Green Tea Bags….2.99
• Veggie and Flaxseed Tortilla Chips…2.49
• S’more Bites…4.29
• 12oz bag of Chocolate Chips…1.99
• Strawberry Cereal Bars…1.99
• 8oz Banana Chips…1.29
• Vietnamese Inspired Shrimp Salad…4.49
• Multi-Grain Wheat Sprouted Bread…3.99
• Beefsteak Tomatoes (2)….1.58
• Half Gallon Almond Milk Unsweetened…2.99
• Apples (4)…2.75
• Cucumber…1.29
• Lemons (2)….0.98
• Edamame…2.99
• Cut Fruit Tropical Medley…3.99
• Avocados (2)…1.98
• Brussels Sprouts…2.49
• Pumpkin Butter…2.29
• Bananas (4)…0.76

Total: 50.88