28 Mar Inside the Fridge: Nescett Wright

Inside the Fridge welcomes Nescett Wright. Nescett is a fit and healthy mom of one living in the San Francisco Bay Area. She’s hooked on yoga and enjoys the wide variety of outdoor activities that can be found in California. Nescett tries to keep things easy in the kitchen and is working on living a life of “doing more of what you love.” She blogs about food, fitness and her life at Banana Oats. You can also follow her on Twitter @bananaoats, and on facebook.

Below we ask her questions about her grocery shopping and food habits – with actual pictures from her fridge!

Inside the Fridge: Where do you shop for food?
Nescett Wright: I wish there was a one-stop-shop for everything I need but it seems like I’m always popping into different stores. I buy a lot at Costco and I’m there at least twice a month. We get all of our meats there as well as eggs, Greek yogurt and fruits and veggies. Costco has a lot of organic and seasonal options and the prices are great. They even have cage free eggs. Then there are particular things I like from Whole Foods and Trader Joes, and when I need to stock up on staples I’m at Safeway or Target.

ITF: Do you love food shopping or dread it?
NW: I dread it. I remember when I was first living on my own in my early 20’s I loved going to the grocery store. But I was also childless and full of free time. Now it feels like another chore (and an expensive one especially out here in California!). I do really like the feeling when my fridge is full and stocked and I actually like putting away and organizing the groceries.

ITF: How often do you shop?
NW: I’m buying groceries at least once a week. Sometimes more if I forget something or have to stop at a different store for something in particular. If I was more organized I could probably cut down on that. Luckily we have a Whole Foods, Trader Joes and Safeway all within a few blocks of my home.

ITF: How many do you shop for? Ages? 
NW: In my house it’s me and my daughter. She’s 9.

ITF: What is your weekly food budget? 
NW: Food budget kills me because I really feel like we spend a lot of money on food. Prices are really high in this area (even compared with an hour north of here) but it’s only the two of us and we must really eat a ton! I don’t budget it closely but we spend $350-$400 a month.

ITF: How many times a week do you eat out? (based on 21 meals/week)
NW: We almost never eat out. My daughter would actually like to eat out more but I like to have control over what we’re eating and it’s easier to have a handle on my diet if we’re eating at home. When I do eat out it’s usually with friends, but even then I offer to have them come over and I’ll cook. They don’t usually take me up on it.

ITF: How do you plan your weekly meals? Create a spreadsheet of fly by the seat of your pants? 
NW: I really wish I had a spreadsheet of meals! I want to be that kind of person, who is that organized. We really just fly by the seat of our pants. I always keep chicken, fish and turkey stocked in the freezer and I throw together a meal with that and the veggies I have on hand (I always make sure we have fresh vegetables too). When I have more time I’ll look through Pinterest and other blogs and find inspiration to try something new.

ITF: What is the most coveted food in the fridge right now for each member of the household? Why?
NW: My daughter puts parmesan cheese on everything! I’m addicted to peanut butter. I like the fresh one you make yourself at Whole Foods.

ITF: Do you believe in leftovers?
NW: I am all about leftovers. With it being just the two of us we eat a lot of leftovers. I have a love/hate relationship with that. I like that it’s faster and easier and less waste but sometimes I get tired of eating a lot of the same things.

ITF: What convenience product can you not live without?
NW: Pre-cut butternut squash. It makes it so much easier. I buy it at Costco, but they have it at Whole Foods too.

ITF: When you hear the word “homemade” what is the first thing that comes to mind?
NW: For some reason, “homemade” makes me think of baked goods. Yum. I’m not really a baker though. I don’t do well with the precise measurements. Plus it’s just a ton of sweets in the house I don’t need. We’ll walk down to our local baker and get a cupcake instead.

ITF: How have your cooking/shopping habits changed over the last 10 years?
NW: 10 years ago I didn’t cook! Ok that’s not true. I did make all of my daughter’s baby food from scratch but how that happened is kind of a miracle because I was pretty useless in the kitchen back then. I still have a lot to learn but I’m cooking so much more and trying new things and I have a much greater appreciation for vegetables.

ITF: What was the last meal you cooked from scratch?
NW: Last night I grilled fish and served it with parmesan crusted smashed potatoes and roasted carrots.

ITF: What was the last meal you cooked from convenience products?
NW: On Friday we had Italian sausage raviolis that I picked up at Costco. I drizzled them with olive oil and parmesan cheese and served them with a salad. A super tasty and easy Friday night meal.

ITF: If one person could cook for you tonight, who would it be?
NW: Oh my gosh. My mom. I love having her cook for me. Second would be Ina Gartner.

ITF: What words of wisdom or advice do you have for other folks who are doing their best every day to fill the fridge?
NW: Make it easy! For me big recipes are to
o time consuming for a weekday night. Grill some chicken, roast up some vegetables, and serve with some crusty French bread. Done.

ITF: What are you working on these days that you’d like to tell us about?
NW: My blog is fun place where I share what I’m eating and cooking, my random thoughts during yoga class and other fun musings. Come check it out!

Thank you Nescett!

If you would like to be featured on Inside the Fridge, please email RobinsBite Intern Laura Bartee – Laura *at* robinplotkin *dot* com