Growing up in Austin, Texas and having access to Whole Foods has spoiled me. As I looked at where to go to college, proximity to a Whole Foods should have been a factor to consider. Now that I have moved away from home and no longer have a Whole Foods close to me, I've realized how much I miss it.

Living in a city with a Whole Foods ruins your expectations of other grocery stores. You want the same level of service, foods, and dining that Whole Foods offers.

1. The dining-in options

vegetable, seafood
Katie Stotts

When I was in high school, we were allowed to leave campus for lunch. One of my favorite places to go was Whole Foods. It has such a large variety of mini restaurants within their store that it makes it easy for everyone to get things that they want. You could go through the hot food line and make your own plate; I would always want their chicken marsala. Or you could get pizza, tacos, sushi, bowls, salads, pasta, and so much more.

2. You feel like you're living a healthy lifestyle

berry, sweet, blueberry, strawberry, cream, raspberry
Ashley Peek

Not only do these foods taste good, but they are also healthier for you than your average restaurant. They use their own fresh produce and products to make these meals. It's also nice that they have many gluten-free options for those who need to be gluten-free or just try to be when they have the option. Having access to so many different lunch options has spoiled me.

3. The bulk foods section

beer, wine, alcohol, liquor, tea, whisky
Emma Delaney
Besides the meals at Whole Foods, the quality of their groceries has also spoiled me. Shopping at a store that has so many healthy food options has left big shoes for any other grocery store to fill. Whole Foods offers many items that you can by in bulk, like flour, coffee, nuts, and other goodies.

These containers are filled to the brim with everything you could ever imagine. You can buy flour, snacks, sweets, coffee, and so much more in bulk. This way it can help you cut down on spending more on foods than what you actually need. It can help people get smaller or larger amounts versus the pre-packaged items.

4. Their fresh produce

vegetable, pasture, pepper, legume, garlic, chili
Emma Delaney
They also offer fresh produce that can be hard to find in other grocery stores, like specialty fruits and vegetables that are found around the world. It's also easier to find organic products here. As someone who tries to eat organic and gluten-free when possible, Whole Foods makes that easier.

5. The juice bar

For those who don't know, Whole Foods also has a great juice bar. You can pick from an assortment of smoothies, juices, and coffees. You can tell when drinking them that they are made with the fresh ingredients in the store. Watching them blend your juice is one of the most satisfying and interesting things. The pairings of the different fruits and veggies is truly a work of art. 

Overall, I've been very lucky to have grown up in a city with a Whole Foods, and it has made me to want a Whole Foods in close proximity wherever I live. Upon graduation I will need to move to a city with a Whole Foods—I don't think I can do without one for much longer.