Does grocery shopping stress you out? Do you put it off until the last possible minute? Do you always spend more than you budget? Do you shop hungry and leave with more junk food in your cart? If you answer yes to any of these questions, you may have a case of grocery store-itis. Make shopping fun again with the following tips:
1. Make a list! Before you step foot in the store, write down what you need and how much you need. This prevents impulse purchases. Stick to your list and you’ll stick to your budget!
2. Be proactive! Don’t wait until the cupboards are empty and you wake up with nothing to pack yourself for lunch besides two slices of bread. Shop in increments for similar groups of foods (produce, dairy, meats, etc.) So you can go in and get out.
3. Stick to the perimeter! Most grocery stores are designed with the refrigeration sections and produce on the perimeter. This is often the freshest and healthiest food you can buy. They have minimal if any preservatives or else they’d be in the center aisles. Stock 75% of your cart with food from the perimeter and 25% from the center.
4. Don’t shop on an empty stomach! This is the number one cause of buying more sweets or snacks that you try to limit when maintaining a healthy diet. Have a little snack before so you won’t be tempted to throw everything you see into your cart.
5. Scan the shelves. There are tons of brands to choose from these days. The most expensive are often at eye level. Make sure to look at the top and bottom of the shelves to save yourself some money!
6. Try 2 New Recipes! Each week try to make at least 2 new recipes that you haven’t made before. You never know when you will find a gem that you will want to make regularly. Search online and in your cookbooks to get some inspiring recipes. Some of my other favorite sources for recipes are Clean Eating Magazine and Cooking Light Magazine.
Try this tips the next time you go shopping…and keep piece of mind!
Research assistance provided by Jessica Bennett
Awesome advice here. I agree with making a list and eating before you shop. I make a list with prices so that I keep within budget. Paying attention to the above to 6 keys to smart grocery shopping.