Grocery shopping can be overwhelming and expensive when you don’t prepare for them. Trying to find everything that you need is a hassle. The worst is trying to remember what you need when you don’t have a grocery list; that’s when it gets expensive! Trust me, I’ve been there! The truth is that I’ve gotten better at it because I’ve learned from my mistakes! Hence, I decided to share some of my tips for a successful grocery shopping trip with y’all today! Let’s roll into it!
1. Create a Weekly Meal Plan
My first tip for a successful grocery shopping trip is to create a weekly meal plan. Creating a weekly meal plan will give you an idea of all the ingredients that you need to purchase during your grocery trip.
2. Write down your ingredients
Now that you have a weekly meal plan, you need to find out the ingredients that will be needed in order for these meals to come to life. By writing down the ingredients that you need for your meals, you
3. Go through your pantry
After creating your meal plan and writing down your ingredients, it is now time to go through your pantry to see what you already have and what you will need. This will prevent you from buying things that you already have. Also, this well help you to reduce products waste by incorporating produce that you already have into your meals.
4. Make a Grocery Shopping list
A) Alright! This is probably my favorite tip for a successful grocery shopping trip! Make a list! My grocery list usually look like this picture down below; unless I do it on my phone. I like to separate everything into categories according to where everything is at my local grocery store. For example, when I first walk into my local grocery store, I will find the fruits and veggies. Therefore, the first category on my list will be fruits and veggies; unless I need frozen fruits. Then, I’ll have a meat and dairy category etc.
B) After figuring out your categories, write down all the produce/ingredients that you need that you don’t already have in your pantry. Make sure that you actually need everything on your grocery list, then head to the store.
5. STICK TO YOUR LIST.
I mean do your best to stick to your list. You’ll be tempted to buy everything that you see but TRY not to fall for it. I usually allow myself to buy two things max that are not on my list and that’s it! Let’s be real, sometimes you see something that you’ve always wanted to try and you want to get it. For me, it’s usually some exotic fruits that I don’t see around often. Anyways, you are allowed to get two things max that are not on your grocery list, and that’s it.
6. Stay out of the center aisles.
I promise you, it’s a trap. Unless you have products (i.e. seasonings, water, coffee, tea etc) on your list that you can only find in the aisle, stay out of the aisles. I don’t think I need to elaborate on this.
7. Have FUN! ENJOY it!
I always say that the grocery store is my escape! I know. I’m weird! But I just love to pop my AirPods on and just stroll in the grocery store. Although, it’s been harder lately with the ongoing pandemic. However, grocery shopping is literally one of my favorite things to do!
Grocery trips are supposed to be a fun experience. Especially with everything going around, you should try to enjoy it and make the best out of it every chance that you get. Try not to stress about it too much. Keep your lists in hands and remember to stick to what’s best for you. Like I always say, what works for me, might not work for you and vice versa. Therefore, try to implement those tips into your grocery shopping trips; keep what works for you and feel free to modify or leave what does not work for you.
Letβs be friends on Instagram @smileymaruth , I post a lot of encouraging, motivating, inspiring words on my stories and feed. I also share my meals and workouts on there regularly.
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I appreciate the tip where you said it’s best to stick to your grocery list to avoid going over the budget and being tempted to buy everything you set your sights on. It’s my first time living alone, so it’s also my first time going grocery shopping by myself this weekend. I’ll make sure to follow your advice and look for a local natural grocery store near me.