A Holistic, Real-Life Approach
At first, the idea of listing my top five grocery items didn’t feel inspiring. But as I thought about it, I realized this was the perfect way to show how CherryCoBiz embodies a holistic approach to health and wellness—not just for me, but for my family. My approach is all about balance. While some thrive on strict regimens, I find beauty in adapting wellness to real life.

I’m not just shopping for myself; I’m shopping for my family, including a picky teen who isn’t as enthusiastic about some of my favorite health-minded dishes. That’s what makes our grocery list such an eclectic mix of fun, indulgence, and intention.

My Top 5 Grocery Store Must-Haves

1. Breakfast Pizza
This is a family favorite, hands down. Walmart’s breakfast pizza, with its biscuits-and-gravy-inspired flavor, is a regular in our fridge. Its biscuit-like crust topped with sausage and cheese makes for a hearty, satisfying breakfast—or dinner if we’re feeling adventurous! My secret touch? A drizzle of chipotle Tabasco sauce. It’s my all-time favorite sauce and gives this comfort food a fiery kick that makes it irresistible.

2. Star Crunch
I don’t usually stock up on Little Debbies, but Star Crunch is an exception. It’s nostalgic, it’s sweet, and it’s the perfect quick snack. My teen has even been known to snag a few when no one’s looking. (Can you blame him?) This little indulgence is a reminder that wellness doesn’t mean giving up everything you love. Sometimes, it’s about savoring life’s sweet moments—literally!

3. Arnold Palmer Half & Half Tea
Ah, the picky eater strikes again. My teen is a creature of habit, and his go-to drink is Arnold Palmer’s half lemonade, half tea combo. We keep a 12-pack stocked in the fridge at all times. Let’s just say he isn’t a fan of my attempts to introduce healthier alternatives, but that’s okay. Part of holistic health is embracing the preferences and quirks of the people you love. Sometimes that looks like a familiar can of sweet tea, and that’s perfectly fine.

4. Pepsi Zero
Years ago, I was a Pepsi loyalist. I drank it all the time—until I realized I needed to cut back on sugary drinks for my health. It wasn’t easy, but in 2020 I transitioned to Pepsi Zero, and now I don’t even miss the original. This shift is a great example of how small, mindful changes can make a big difference over time. Even better, my family has followed suit, and we’ve drastically reduced the amount of sugary drinks in our house. It’s a compromise that works for all of us.

5. The Staples
Potatoes, onions, and eggs are the unsung heroes of my kitchen. They’re crazy versatile! Eggs alone deserve their own spotlight. We use them for everything—breakfast scrambles, quick dinners, and even ramen. I know plenty of folks have been adding eggs to ramen for ages, but I just started doing this and it’s a total game changer. Next up, I’m planning to try it with a splash of soy sauce and lime juice. I can almost taste how good it’s going to be.

Onions are another staple we can’t live without. The adults in the house love caramelized onions, and I’ve gotten pretty savvy at making them for all sorts of meals. One of my favorite pairings? Caramelized onions on mac and cheese. If you’re curious about how that looks with a dish, check out this recipe I shared a while back: Smokey Bison Mac & Cheese with a Gourmet Twist.

Behind the Scenes
Life isn’t always perfectly balanced, and when you throw in work and a bout of illness, things can get a little chaotic. That’s when the almighty “fend” comes into play in our household. “Fend” basically means everyone fends for themselves for meals. It might be a frozen pizza or a quick sandwich—whatever gets the job done. It’s not glamorous, but it’s real life.

When I’m not feeling well, my top priority is recovering and trying not to pass the crud on to everyone else. Of course, that’s easier said than done when we’re all under one roof. These moments remind me how much I need my family to be self-sufficient. Thankfully, they step up when it counts. My teen might grumble, but he’ll put together a sandwich or grab his beloved Arnold Palmer from the fridge without much fuss.

It’s in these moments that I let go of perfection. The dishes might pile up a bit, and our meals might lean heavier on convenience than intention. And you know what? That’s okay. Wellness isn’t just about eating the “right” things—it’s also about knowing when to rest, prioritize yourself, and let others pitch in.

If you’ve ever found yourself in a similar spot, take this as your permission to give yourself grace. Some days are all about balance and intention; others are about survival mode and frozen meals. Both are valid, and both are part of the journey.

A Picky Teen & The Grocery Game
Shopping for a picky eater always keeps me on my toes. My teen has strong opinions about what goes on his plate, which sometimes makes me chuckle. While he’s quick to turn up his nose at anything “too healthy,” every now and then I sneak in a healthier swap without him even noticing. It’s a small victory, and it reminds me that holistic health is just as much about patience and understanding as it is about what we eat.

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And that’s the heart of CherryCoBiz: holistic health and wellness that fits into real life. It’s not about perfection; it’s about mindfulness, adaptability, and a little bit of chipotle Tabasco sauce to spice things up.

What’s on your grocery list this week? Share your favorites—I’d love to hear how you keep your pantry stocked and your family happy!