Grocery shopping is a part of everyday life, with some finding enjoyment in it and others only doing it because they have to. Where do you fit in? Do you ever feel like your experience could be better in some way?
Maybe you often end up looking over your purchases and wondering what in the world you just bought, maybe your trips just take way too long or maybe you overspend often.
Keep in mind that there is always a way to make things work better, and it doesn’t need to take a lot of time or resources to make it happen. Read on for four tips to make your grocery trips healthier and more efficient.
1. Plan Ahead
One of the most important things you can do when you head to the grocery store is to have a plan in place. It doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does take some forward thinking to be efficient.
Think of it as covering your bases. Not going hungry? Check. Sorting out your meal plan for the week and categorizing your shopping list? Check. Clipping coupons and knowing the sales before going inside? Check. Having plenty of burlap bags on hand so you can quickly load up your groceries and be on your way home in a jiffy? Check! Not only will laying out this plan save time, it can also be very useful for sticking to your grocery budget.
2. Use a Master List
Mostly everyone has items that are always added to the grocery cart each trip; typically pantry staples that make meal prep and snacking a breeze. Since you know how much easier having those items in stock makes your life, why not build a master list — one that will serve as the foundation for each grocery trip? Not only will this ensure you’re always prepared at home, it will help keep your trips more streamlined and efficient based on routine alone.
If you could use some inspiration on building a master list, some quick research is all you need to get started.
3. Make Healthy Choices
The wonderful thing about grocery stores is that there is an incredible amount of variety to choose from. However, this can also be detrimental to your health (or your waistline) if you’re not careful in your selections.
While some shoppers swear by strictly sticking to the perimeter of the store in order to find the healthiest foods, keep in mind that there are plenty of wholesome, nutrient-packed healthy foods available in the center aisles as well. You just need to know what to look for and find ways to incorporate them into your diet. Try looking up new and different recipes, especially if you’re not used to using certain ingredients regularly. Try swapping out a white rice side for a quinoa dish or explore ways to use dried beans in a hearty soup during the colder months.
4. Make One Store Your Go-To
One of the easiest ways to ensure grocery shopping efficiency is to get to know the store you’re shopping in. While it might be tempting to bounce around from store to store shopping the sales or looking for certain items, doing so will be counterproductive to your overall objective.
Take note of where items are located, and try writing your grocery lists in sections based on the store’s layout. It might take some time to decide which store you like best. Taking prices (both unit and item), quality of fresh produce and meats, and the availability of specialty items into consideration will go a long way in helping you decide which store is best for you. Don’t forget to try out your grocery store’s store brand items as well. This can be a wonderful way to save money, and some stores even offer a percentage back in rewards for purchasing their label.
