Grocery Shopping

Grocery shopping is a planned event for me. It’s not something I particularly enjoy, so I go prepared.

Shopping list. Check.

Bags. Check.

I enter the store and follow the same path every time solely focused on the task.

Working off my list, I’m usually in and out within 30 minutes.

Here’s what I do.

Goals

• Use a shopping list and stick to it.
• Buy healthy food.
• Stay within your budget

Guidelines

• Create a meal plan.
  • Take an inventory of what you have in your cupboards and freezer.
  • Look through the flyers for meal ideas that are on sale.
  • Make a shopping list of things you need.
• Have a shopping list in your kitchen you and your family members can add to throughout the week. When someone takes the last of something they write it on the list.
• Check the flyers for items on your list that are on sale.
  • *Caution* Do not add things to your list you don’t need just because they are on sale. It’s not cheap if you don’t need it!
  • Stock up on non-perishables when they are on sale as your budget allows.
• Get all your groceries for the week in one trip to save time and money.
• Shop in the morning for newly discounted items in the produce, deli and meat departments.
• Don’t go grocery shopping when you’re hungry or thirsty.
• Go by yourself.
• Shop off your list so you don’t impulse buy.
• Shop the perimeter of the store first. This is where the healthier food choices are – produce, deli, bakery, meat, dairy. The processed foods are typically in the aisles.
  • Buy produce that is on sale or in season.
    • Instead of buying pre-cut vegetables, wash and cut them yourself when you get home.
    • Only buy the amount you will use.
  • Support your local bakery. It’s the next best thing to homemade.
  • Avoid processed food whenever possible. Although convenient, they are often high in salt and sugar content. And they cost more than cooking from scratch.
  • Read the nutritional information on any pre-made products to ensure you are choosing the healthiest option for your family.
• Only go down the aisles that have something you need.
  • Browsing the aisles will lead to impulse shopping and put your grocery bill over budget.
• Bag your groceries with like items together such as refrigerator, freezer, dry goods, pantry. When you get home, it will be easier to put them away.

Subscribe to Homemaking Jewels today.