For all you local (South Orange County) readers out there- here is some cool news: the new Whole Foods Market is opening in Laguna Niguel tomorrow. I have been driving by the shopping center for over a year wondering when this blessed day would come. Now the wait is over!
I received an invitation to tour the store last week before it opens to the public and wanted to share my excitement and a few fun discoveries. The best things (in my humble opinion) about this newest store in the great chain of Whole Foods is the bulk aisle, the sprouted bulk bins, the fire pit and the sushi bar. Let me elaborate briefly below on what I mean…
Bulk Aisle & Sprouted Bulk Bins: I used to walk by bulk bins and wonder what on earth would possess me to want to buy that way when I can go down the next aisle and buy my beans in a can. Then I started reading about BPA and it’s effects on health (specifically negative impact on heart health) coupled with my family trying to save some money and I quickly discovered the ease and health benefits to buying in bulk. The new bulk bins have all sorts of beans, grains and seeds to choose from, some you may have not ever used or thought about (black garbanzo beans anybody?). There are also sprouted bean options. My new obsession is ensuring all our grains are sprouted. I assure you my future cart at Whole Foods will include lots of plastic baggies filled with beans, grains, seeds and more. Looking for a great and easy way to cook dry beans? Try this recipe.
If you walk outdoors in the eating area at Whole Foods, you’ll see something that makes my heart melt. Literally. A big fire pit. I just picture relaxing out there one evening with my hubby and G-love while munching on some sushi from their sushi bar and feeling like we are on some suburban camping trip. It works out perfect for me since I don’t camp.
Whole Foods will also have grass fed beef, free range organic chicken and fish that meets the highest sustainability standards. All that is worth the extra cost. If you are paying $.99 a pound for meat, chances are it is not the best thing to feed your family.
Any naysayers who want to challenge just how expensive it is to shop at Whole Foods, I just want to point out that in the long run, health problems brought on by poor eating habits will cost you more.
Come meet me out there for some sushi or a juice from their juice bar! I’ll see you there!
