The Husband got to go to his favorite place in the entire world today….

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Yes, Costco.  He is obsessed with Costco.  Something about healthy food in bulk makes my man very, very happy.

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Normally we go to Costco once a month to stock up on dry goods and vegetarian faux meat staples.  This shopping trip was a little bigger (i.e. more expensive) because we were replenishing a lot of stuff.

 

Before we left for heaven Costco, I made a Cherry Chocolate Bomb Green Monster for the ride.

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My smoothie contained: 1 cup almond milk, 2 cups raw spinach, 15 frozen cherries, 1 scoop Nesquik, and 1/2 a banana.

 

I’ve been asked to document what we buy at Costco before, so here it is! 

 

Two bottles of wine, frozen pasta, two blocks of cheese, blackberries, two loaves of whole wheat bread, Carr’s crackers (for the cheese, of course), brown rice, and oatmeal.

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Cinnamon, Greek yogurt, garlic, asparagus, pecans.

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Peanut butter, veggie burgers (two kinds), hummus, Brussel sprouts, frozen broccoli, and artichokes.

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We also bought some juice, trash bags, dog food, and other odds and ends.

 

After shopping, I made us a quick lunch of 1.5 servings of cheese and spinach tortellini, asparagus, artichokes, and red sauce.

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I think the canned artichokes from Costco are my favorite thing in the entire store!

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After digesting, I played around on Twitter for a while, trying to talk myself into a bike ride.  I saw this tweet from Caitlin and it totally got my booty in gear.

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Just thinking about riding 100 miles in Napa Valley on May 23 is enough to get my helmet on!  I decided to reduce my mileage though because I wasn’t feel so enthusiastic.  I like to cut myself slack (or skip the workout entirely) when I’m not “feeling” exercise because I hate associating negative emotions with something I love so much.

 

In the end, I was REALLY glad I got out there!  It was beautiful weather out.  I did 12.75 miles in 53 minutes (I normally do 18 miles on short ride days).

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Dinner was quick and easy!

 

Just a small sweet potato, vegetarian baked beans (from a can, Bush’s brand), and a bunch of steamed Brussel sprouts.

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Red wine and couch time is in my future.  🙂

 

And THANK YOU SOOOO much for all the nice comment on Operation Beautiful’s Oprah news! It was all very much appreciated.  :)  If you want to participate in Operation Beautiful, email me a note at seebriderun@gmail.com and (if you have a blog) tell me your blog link!  It’s a fun way to drive traffic to your site!

 

Have a wonderful night!

{ 85 comments }

 

  • Meghan@traveleatlove April 8, 2010, 8:53 pm

    I looooove Costco. Its so easy to get out of control, but the deals! I love buying tons of spinach in bulk. And seltzer water by the pallet 🙂
    Super congrats on Oprah!

  • Runeatrepeat April 8, 2010, 8:54 pm

    This is pretty much my exact same Costco stash – but I go once a week for FRUIT! We eat a lot of fruit…

  • Amy April 8, 2010, 8:56 pm

    I thought my husband was the only husband in the world that loved Costco. 🙂

    We call it the “$300 Store”.

    Enough said.

  • Jenny April 8, 2010, 8:56 pm

    I love costco too, but as a college student it doesn’t seem right to buy all that bulk- I feel like I cant eat it fast enough. It’s lame that I’m excited about a time I’ll get to shop there, isn’t it?

    • Carolyn @ lovinlosing April 8, 2010, 9:06 pm

      Maybe you could go in with some friends or dormmates and split the food/cost up.

      • Caitlin April 8, 2010, 9:10 pm

        that’s what i did in college with my friends. we saved a lot of money that way!

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is April 8, 2010, 8:57 pm

    We don’t go to Costco, we do Sam’s, but it might just be the highlight of our month! We go about every other week and for some reason just love it. They always have stuff at our’s that we can’t find anywhere else. Even if it is jumbo sized!

  • ashleigh April 8, 2010, 9:04 pm

    I’ve never been to Costco! I live alone so it doesn’t make sense to buy in bulk.. except for oatmeal and frozen stuff. Enjoy your wine!

  • Nicole @ Making Good Choices April 8, 2010, 9:08 pm

    We don’t go to Costco that much because we don’t have a membership. We try to sneak in with my mom every once inawhile when she actually tells me she’s going! haha

  • PhillyGirlRuns April 8, 2010, 9:10 pm

    LOVE Costco — our shopping lists are very similar. But…I am SO JEALOUS that your Costco sells wine. I live in PA, where the liquor laws are completely archaic…I can’t even buy beer and wine in the same store, let alone wine and bulk asparagus 🙂

    • Caitlin April 8, 2010, 9:11 pm

      I hated that about living in Pittsburgh!

  • Janelle April 8, 2010, 9:11 pm

    I wish we had a Costco in the area – we have Sams, but it just isn’t as good…
    I love getting veggies in bulk, it makes it easy to make sure I eat them!

  • Kayla B April 8, 2010, 9:13 pm

    Congrats about Oprah! So exciting!
    My kingdom for a costco! We are supposed to be getting a sam’s club here at some point but it hasn’t happened yet. Anyone know how they compare to costco? I remember reading somewhere that costco had more “foodie” items.

  • Evan Thomas April 8, 2010, 9:13 pm

    Hehe, I can relate in the excitement of bulk foods. My family will definitely have to look in joining a bulk store over the summer! I go through pounds and pounds of vegetables, so even though my parents don’t eat 1/4 that I’m sure it’d be worth it.

  • Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat) April 8, 2010, 9:16 pm

    I love Costco — I went to one the day after moving home from Korea and it was overwhelming to see such huge quantities of delicious foods in one place. And the samples…!

  • lauren @ Eater not a runner April 8, 2010, 9:18 pm

    I love Costco but we are too cheap to get a membership. Do you really think it is worth it for just two people? I guess you guys have the dogs too!

    • Caitlin April 8, 2010, 9:22 pm

      yes definitely! i think it was only $50 when we signed up and we only put husband on the card.

      • Cyclist Kate April 8, 2010, 10:57 pm

        Yep, at least at my Costco, it’s still only $50 for a membership for the whole year! Totally worth it!

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg April 8, 2010, 9:19 pm

    Man, all we have is Sam’s, and it doesn’t look like it really compares with costco…that’s what I hear, anyway.

    So cute that you hub gets excited to go to the bulk store 🙂

  • Kelly April 8, 2010, 9:23 pm

    I finally got to watch your video, it wouldn’t play at work, it’s so exciting, I want to see your hubbys part!

  • Nicole April 8, 2010, 9:33 pm

    I want that size container of cinnamon!

  • Kath April 8, 2010, 9:34 pm

    I really miss my Costco PB 🙁

    We have Costco in Charlotte! But CharlottesVILLE does not so we discontinued our membership 🙁

  • Allie (Live Laugh Eat) April 8, 2010, 9:38 pm

    My Daddy-o LOVES Costco. He hates spending money but we can always always make time for Costco and whenever we’re there–anything is allowed in the cart 🙂

    I just got oats, pecans and Fage last night too. Along with Zyrtec and La Croix sparkling water. Does your Costco have Maranatha almond butter?? SUCH a great deal. I get a huge jar every time I go even though I have 5 unopened jars already.

    • Caitlin April 8, 2010, 9:46 pm

      yes but im not a fan of maranatha! i only like justins and barney butter 🙁

  • Matt April 8, 2010, 9:42 pm

    I love Costco!

  • Dynamics April 8, 2010, 9:51 pm

    The Garlic bread there is to die for. Fresh baked right out of the oven. In season they have the best cantaloupes, better than at the farmers market that have been just picked.

  • Heather @ Side of Sneakers April 8, 2010, 9:58 pm

    Ah I want to join Costco so badly! I’m worried I’d end up going every week though so I fresh veggies wouldn’t go bad….I have no control of myself when it comes to grocery shopping haha

    • bobbie@mymamaruns.com April 8, 2010, 10:30 pm

      I’m with you on the lack of control when it comes to grocery spending! I want to try everything!

  • Morgan April 8, 2010, 10:02 pm

    You know what the only thing I hate (not really hate, but more a dislike) about NYC is: not having enough fridge space to make a Costco visit!

    Anyhoot, I love pecans, especially frozen. Stick em in the freezer and grab a handful. It will change your life! Well, maybe not change your life, but you get the idea.

  • Carolina John April 8, 2010, 10:03 pm

    I love costco and cycling too. what a great day! and a big congrats on the oprah gig, that’s really sweet!

  • Sean (Learn Fitness) April 8, 2010, 10:05 pm

    My wife and I have debated on getting memberships at Cosco for a while. I figured they didn’t have many healthy options, not sure why … likely due to the bulk thing. Anyhow, you changed my outlook now. I’m gonna have to check them out soon … save some cash. Thanks for the post 🙂

  • steph-exercise physiologist and artist! April 8, 2010, 10:15 pm

    I LOVE Costco too!! and office supply stores!! I love to walk around sam’s and costco just looking at everything. I equally love to look through the office supply catalog at my work! haha!

    I have to get some artichokes in a can. I actually like those and canned hearts of palm a lot.

    I love what you said about not associating negative emotions with exercise. I tell our clients that all the time. I know when I used to get down on myself for skipping, not burning enough calories, not working out long enough, it ended up causing me to do stupid things like eat a whole cake or not let myself eat. Now I congratulate myself for ANY exercise that I do, even if it is 10 mins and I am healthier and in better shape than I ever have been 🙂

  • Katie @ Two Lives, One Lifestyle April 8, 2010, 10:18 pm

    I love the artichokes! My boyfriend’s mom and my aunt give me some of their Costco artichokes every time since I don’t shop there myself. Their deals on hummus and Greek yogurt are so good though, maybe when I have a job!

  • Abby April 8, 2010, 10:19 pm

    Awww Twenty Fifth Year! She’s always great for encouragment! So true… I dont regret not working out till right before a race! It’s the moment of truth, or dooms day…

  • Kristin (Cook, Bake and Nibble) April 8, 2010, 10:20 pm

    Aaah costco looks amazing. I want to go!

    xo
    K

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing April 8, 2010, 10:26 pm

    Yay for Costco!! That is a HUGE package of cinnamon haha!!! As much greek yogurt as I eat, it would be worth a membership to Costco alone.

  • Midgetkeeper April 8, 2010, 10:27 pm

    I wish we had Costco near us, I miss it so much. We have BJs but is not nearly as good as Costco 🙁 We still spend a pretty penny there every few weeks though!

  • Mary @ Fit this girl April 8, 2010, 10:31 pm

    Does your Garmin work the same on the bike as with running: heart rate, miles and splits etc?

    • Caitlin April 8, 2010, 10:35 pm

      Yea it has a cycle function!

  • Katie April 8, 2010, 10:33 pm

    Oooh Ilove to see what other people buy at the store! We don’t have Costco here but we do have Sams. My hubby has an account through his job but we only go when we have to get things related to his work. I’ve heard that Costco is way better though…

  • Amber K @ sparkpeople April 8, 2010, 10:34 pm

    I have found that I can get the same value for things at my regular grocery store as buying them at CostCo and I can do it without having to pay to be a member! So I haven’t been there in years.

    Dinner looks good!

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) April 8, 2010, 10:42 pm

    you just made me so excited about going to costco tomorrow night…LOVE that place! i just can’t wait to try samples and look at all the stuff i don’t need (but want really bad)! 🙂

  • Gabriela April 8, 2010, 10:59 pm

    YUUUM – such yummy eats, Caitlin!
    I wish there were Costco stores in Brazil – everything looks so amazing 😀
    Have a great Friday, girl!
    Brazilian XOXO´s,
    Gabriela

  • Cyclist Kate April 8, 2010, 11:00 pm

    Ahahahaha. I’m happy to see other Costco nuts out there–I LOVE it! I’m especially lucky because my mom likes to take me and she normally buys my groceries there, then we go out to lunch. It’s like the girls day out but we go to Costco instead of clothes shopping.

    I love this: “I like to cut myself slack (or skip the workout entirely) when I’m not “feeling” exercise because I hate associating negative emotions with something I love so much.” This rings so true–why force ourselves to do something that can bring us so much joy if we take the “should” out of it?! I’m going to remember this quote next time “the shoulds” creep into my thinking. A day off or a back-off day is totally worth maintaining my love for exercise!

  • Nicole, RD April 8, 2010, 11:16 pm

    CostCo has so much more healthy food options than Sam’s Club! I am glad my Sam’s membership just expired 😉

  • Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run] April 8, 2010, 11:19 pm

    No way…Costco sells Dr. P’s burgers?!?! This made my day better =]

  • Marie April 8, 2010, 11:30 pm

    Hi Caitlin,

    Question, how do you prepare your canned/jarred artichokes? I remember you mentioning a tip about your prep work, but I can’t seem to find it. Suggestions? Or do you just remove the artichokes from the liquid?

    Thanks so much!

    • Caitlin April 8, 2010, 11:33 pm

      The secret is to rinse them off so you get off most of the oil. Then I put them into a hot wok and brown both sides. Much better!

  • Marie April 8, 2010, 11:38 pm

    Thanks, Caitlin! I’ll make them with dinner tomorrow night. PS. Your Operational Beautiful video is wonderful, I can’t wait to see the final product 🙂

  • Wendy Irene April 9, 2010, 12:20 am

    Oh how I wish they sold wine at Costco in Vancouver!

  • Kate April 9, 2010, 12:25 am

    Yum! I had the Costco spinach tortellini last night–very good! I’m very jealous you have greek yogurt at your Costco. (Though I’m not surprised–I’m pretty sure my Costco is the smallest in the country.)

    • Caitlin April 9, 2010, 8:58 am

      we only got it like 6 months ago so maybe its going to come to yours soon too!

  • maria April 9, 2010, 12:36 am

    My husband and I buy from Costco about Once every two months. We order online, though, and have it shipped because we don’t have a car in Japan. Super good deals, usually, though!

  • Lizz @ leadingthegoodlife April 9, 2010, 1:07 am

    Thanks for posting your about your Costco trip – I find what others buy to be so interesting! I just restocked our kitchen after our vacation and posted about it today, too!

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs April 9, 2010, 3:34 am

    :O How exciting! We have Quaker AND Carr’s over here! It’s nice to see familiar brands 😀
    I’m with the husband re his views on Costco – Everytime I even think about a trip to Tesco or Wairtose, my heart lifts that little bit more 😛
    I like what you say about exercise – going easy/not going on days when you don’t feel it so you don’t make negative associations; I totally burned out with my running recently (I took 10days off from it and got my mojo back :D), so I think I may listen to what you do and give it a whirl!
    Have a good Friday 🙂

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs April 9, 2010, 3:34 am

    :O How exciting! We have Quaker AND Carr’s over here! It’s nice to see familiar brands 😀
    I’m with the husband re his views on Costco – Everytime I even think about a trip to Tesco or Wairtose, my heart lifts that little bit more 😛
    I like what you say about exercise – going easy/not going on days when you don’t feel it so you don’t make negative associations; I totally burned out with my running recently (I took 10days off from it and got my mojo back :D), so I think I may listen to what you do and give it a whirl!
    Have a good Friday 🙂

  • Kim April 9, 2010, 7:14 am

    I have a Sam’s Club membership, but sounds like I need to check into getting a Costco membership. I watched the video for the Oprah Network and Loved it…. I have been reading your blog for a while and it inspired me to start my own. It’s not easy and it’s hard to try and blog every day, but it’ll will get there… http://www.myhealthyperspective.com

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit April 9, 2010, 7:57 am

    I’m SO jealous of your costco shopping. I wish we had one nearby!! I need to get out of NH. 🙂 CONGRATS on the Oprah stuff!

  • Joanne April 9, 2010, 8:40 am

    Congrats on the Operation Beautiful Oprah association. How exciting for you AND all your blogger fans.

    Question about your ride: How much in advance of the Century do you start EATING for your event? Do you start a week in advance? Couple of days? Day before?
    Do you cut out certain foods a day before a sports event?

    • Caitlin April 9, 2010, 9:00 am

      the only food i cut out before a race is alcohol 🙂 i didnt drink a drop for like 5 days before my marathon (i usually have a beer or wine 2 – 3 times a week).

      i will probably start eating a little extra two days before, and probably will eat 500 to 750 calories extra the day before. i think some scientists recommend you begin eating 100 extra calories for the week of an endurance even (i.e. century or marathon) to help build your glycogen levels but i’ve never tried it.

      • Joanne April 9, 2010, 9:16 am

        That’s what I was planning until last night where I read that the day before, you should actually eat smaller meals, rich in carbohydrates. I guess the reason being is that the week prior to the event, the level of activity has been reduced to save glycogen for the competition. Alcohol reduction or avoidance is a must. Thanks for your response.

        • Caitlin April 9, 2010, 9:21 am

          what would be the logic of eating less calories the day before? i dont get it. i try to eat a slightly larger meal the night before because then i dont wake up hungry like I usually do… hmm. interesting. who knows! i say just experiment and do what works best for YOU, you know?

  • Kelly @ Healthy Living With Kelly April 9, 2010, 8:48 am

    We buy most of those things at Costco too but we go every week! haha!

  • Caitlin@TheTwentyFifthYear April 9, 2010, 10:38 am

    Glad I got ya going! It’s a good mantra to keep in mind on those tough to get started days 🙂

  • Paige (Running Around Normal) April 9, 2010, 10:58 am

    I wish we had a Costco here in Central IL. There are Sam’s, but they don’t have as many veg-friendly foods. The only meatless burgers they have are Boca.
    I love Dr. Praegers!

  • Amanda April 9, 2010, 11:25 am

    What you buy at Costco is pretty much what I buy at Costco. I’m actually headed there now 🙂 Costco definitely = heaven.

  • Caroline April 9, 2010, 12:16 pm

    What is it about buys and bulk food? I have a coworker who says her boyfriend refuses to go into a regular grocery store (as in he will sit in the car in the parking lot on a 90 degree day instead) but loooooooves Sam’s Club!

  • Amina April 9, 2010, 12:42 pm

    You don’t fool around when it comes to garlic – vampires don’t stand a chance! My Heart’s Desire and I go to Costco every other month for staples, though everything we save on groceries I end up spending on books.

  • Bree@beeskneeslife April 9, 2010, 12:54 pm

    Oh man, do we love us some Costco around here. I am green with envy that your Costco carries Fage! Ahhh! The only Greek yogurt ours has is Chobani and it’s a 24 pack of flavored small containers.

  • Angharad April 9, 2010, 1:14 pm

    Yup, my first ever half marathon is what’s motivating me to run these days! I better learn how to be able to run X miles before I get out there and do it in a race!!

  • Whitney B. April 9, 2010, 1:15 pm

    Yay Costco! Looks like a great stash. Out of curiosity, how long does it take you to work through that carton of oatmeal? Last time I was at Costco, I saw it and got so excited, but ultimately decided it would probably take me too long to use it all (even though I eat it every morning) to justify buying the whole thing…

    • Caitlin April 9, 2010, 1:17 pm

      oh, months. seriously. there are two packages though so it doesnt go bad.

  • Jenna April 9, 2010, 1:34 pm

    You are awesome! I am always so overwhelmed when I go in there. Seeing the delicious and healthy things you buy for a family of 2 (besides the doggies) is so helpful! Thank you! 🙂

  • Robyn April 9, 2010, 1:48 pm

    Hah I just posted about my trip to Costco and how much I heart it.

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Eat April 9, 2010, 1:56 pm

    I’ve only been to Costco once but I was impressed. Now that I’m eating so many veggies (especially spinach), I should really just join and stock up 🙂

  • Katherine April 9, 2010, 2:22 pm

    I want a Costco membership just to get that amount of hummus. Is the produce there good? and do you know if they sell frozen berries?
    Thanks
    Katherine
    whataboutsummer

    • Caitlin April 9, 2010, 2:28 pm

      Yes!! And yes!

  • Julia April 9, 2010, 6:16 pm

    I’m jealous your Costco sells bulk brown rice! Mine is behind the times…. only sells white rice. They have frozen brown rice, but more expensive. Sad panda! 😉

  • JenRD April 9, 2010, 8:28 pm

    Have you ever been to Trader Joe’s? You would have A BALL there! They make the BEST almond butter–with smoked flax seeds.

    • caitlin April 9, 2010, 9:45 pm

      ive been but no TJs around me 🙁

      • JenRD April 9, 2010, 10:13 pm

        Well let me know if you are ever in the New York City area, and I will take you on a grand tour!

  • Katherine @ Lipgloss and Spandex April 10, 2010, 1:19 am

    Congrats about Oprah! I also love Costco, especially their wine department. Seriously, everything is amazing there, and I love that they have samples.

    That tweet about training and workouts was great–thanks for sharing! I think it needs to be my new mantra…

  • Susan April 10, 2010, 8:22 am

    I’ve been living in my current city for 5 years and they are STILL trying to build a Costco that they started 5 years ago. Not. Impressed. Although, I think I really just love that place for the free samples 😉

    ” I like to cut myself slack (or skip the workout entirely) when I’m not “feeling” exercise because I hate associating negative emotions with something I love so much.”

    Yesyesandyes!! This is why I suck at following training plans, because I just can’t force workouts on myself when I’m not feeling them. I don’t normally skip workouts, but some days I just want to run, or I just want to do yoga instead of whatever is on the plan. Exercise should be fun enough that you WANT to do 🙂

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