Check out my progress on One Final Flounce
Today marked another milestone in the conclusion of my undergraduate career. Contrary to what you might expect, this occasion has nothing to do with classes, professors, or exams. No, today’s milestone involved what I like to call my “happiest place on Earth”—this destination of pure joy is none other than Whole Foods.
When I first toured Duke, I vividly remember wandering through the red brick maze of East campus, only to catch a glimpse of those familiar, green letters:
At the time, Whole Foods had yet to establish itself in my hometown of Birmingham, AL. Even as a 17-year-old, I was enthralled with everything health-food related, and the prospect of a Whole Foods across the street from campus was extremely enticing; truthfully, the existence of the Durham Whole Foods is partly responsible for my choice to matriculate to Duke.
Once I became a student at Duke, I began making weekly trips to Whole Foods; this ritual served not only to provide me with an adequate dietary intake but also with a welcome reprieve from the stresses of academia. As I’ve documented here on several occasions, I came to look forward to my trips to Whole Foods for the feeling of familiarity that was all too often lacking in my college years. Indeed, I’ve become so familiar with this store that I could tell you on which shelf to find the smooth almond butter (aisle next to produce, second shelf from the bottom); I know which day they re-stock the bagged spinach, and I even have a favorite free samples lady.
Today I went on one final flounce through the aisles, not really due to necessity (I should really be using up the groceries I have) but rather due to ceremonial reasons. As strange as it might sound, I’ve developed a fondness for this store over the past four years. I’ll miss you, Whole Foods Durham!
Now that I’ve revealed my crazy emotional attachment to a store, I’ll get onto the eats.
I used up the very last bit of my oat bran this morning—pantry clean-out success! The most delicious part of this bowl was the crunchy granola topping. Even though the only grains present are oats and spelt flour, it tastes like crushed up graham crackers. The Sweetish Baker is a genius.
As promised on Sunday, I used up some of those strawberries in a salad for lunch. As an indulgence at Whole Foods today, I picked up a handful of pistachios from the bulk bin section. They made a lovely flavor and color contrast with the berries.
By dinner-time, I got lazy so I just made a Goddess Garbanzo wrap with a few crunchy accompaniments.
Alright, I am off to relax. Ciao for now.
Filed under: Meals
Caroline Yoder, dietitian-to-be and all-around foodie.
Oh Whole Foods, gotta love it. I also am quite good at recalling where things are in my local store now and the WF’s I went to during college in Boston and post college in NY. The ones in ny though are too crowded for real enjoyment unless you go during the weirdest times of day. Before work, during lunch, and any time after 5 is ridiculous. I once waited in line for 45 minutes. Trader Joes is worse in the city too since there is only one. I am happy you have such a fondness for WF’s too and spent some adequate time saying your goodbye.
I’m glad I’m not the only one with such a strong attachment to my local Whole Foods.It’s such an amazing place, no?
Is the Goddess Garbanzo recipe from ED&BV?
I cook oats with pumpkin or squash all the time! I love them like that.
Goddess garbanzos — it’s been AGES since I made them. Thanks for the reminder, missy!
I got attached to my college (Pittsburgh) Whole Foods too!There’s no Whole Foods in my hometown so it was really my first Whole Foods. Even now when I take the trip to the closest Whole Foods in NJ, it’s never the same.
You’re so lucky to have a Whole Foods close to campus! Walmart is the biggest (okay, only) big store in my college town.
That salad looks soo good. I haven’t had cottage cheese in years. Is there a particular brand you like?
Hi Caroline (first time posting- delurking.. have been reading for a whilte though!)
I must say I felt the same way about the trader joes down the road from my old apartment when I left school. I was so sad- it was the first time I’ve ever been to one, and it changed my life forever (I know you know what i mean!) Now the closest one is 45 min away
Okayyy.. Tried the strawberry fields sandwich and it’s AMazing… definitely keeping that lunch option
I totally feel the same way about WF– and TJ and another local, organic grocer around my area, New Leaf
Ahhh, gotta love organic grocers… sad how that’s what I get my pleasure from 
I really want to buy ED&BV… but until then, will you share the goddess garbanzo wrap recipe?
By the way, I started a blog [!!!!!!!!], haven’t gotten it started fully yet, but it’s getting there. Tell all your fellow bloggers to read mine
! The url is http://namastegurl.blogspot.com/
I wish I had a good hwole foods store nearby. The closest Trader Joe’s is in another state far away, and the closest Whole Foods is an hour and a half away. Too far. That granola sounds delicious by the way. I want some!
The WF near me in NY is like a second home… I know it so well. It’s strange how comforting a grocery store can be/feel.
Your lunch salad looks great- I need to start using pistachios now that the pistachio Larabar has been discontinued
Ah WFs- you rock! Glad you had one last flounce
Your meals are always so pretty and well put together!Have you ever done a post on your favorite creations?
My all-time favorite thing about your blog = your usage of the word flounce. I’ve never seen anyone use the word with as much flair as you do. Glad your final flounce was a good one!
Aw, I really liked reading this post. I went to college outside of Pittsburgh (no WF in site), and I remember packing the car with coolers to go for our annual bi-monthly run.
ha, i don’t know if josh was horrified or impressed that the cheese/deli guy at WF knows me by name and asked how work is going. like you i’m such a frequent flier! and my GOD, i love that store. shopping anywhere else is almost painful by comparison.
(although i am talking about the chapel hill WF, not durham . . . i never reached the in-crowd level at the east campus location!)
I love this post. I’m a WF addict! Your wrap tooks so yummy! What’s in it?