Grocery Shop Like a Boss!
Call me weird, but I LOVE grocery shopping!
I love to look at all the fresh fruits and veggies in the produce aisle. It makes me smile! It's such a beautiful section of the grocery store! There are so many different colors and textures to behold!
I love it so much that I've created printable guide that you can hang on your fridge or take with you to the grocery store!
Grocery shopping can feel very overwhelming, but once you know how to navigate the store, it's really not that bad. Also, be sure to go with a PLAN! Know what you are going to make beforehand, take a quick inventory of what you need, make a list, and STICK TO THAT LIST.
Even if your kids beg for something. Simply say, "Not today. It's not on the list."
Each store has it's own layout, but the produce aisle is always on the outskirts. And that's where I head first. I fill my basket first with bananas, apples, grapes, melons, lemons, limes, cucumbers, carrots, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, lettuces/greens, sprouts, tomatoes, mushrooms, avocados, potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, and whatever I am needing for meals that week. (I don't buy all of these on every shopping trip. It just depends on what I'm making that week.) As much as possible, I try to buy in-season to reduce costs. I don't normally buy watermelon in the middle of winter or oranges in the middle of summer. Instead, I focus on what is in season.
Next stop: refrigerator section for non-dairy milk, eggs, yogurt, hummus, string cheese, etc. I personally don't eat animal products, but the rest of my family does, so I buy those things too.
Next I head down the aisles for dry goods/bulk bins. I stock up on rolled oats, rice, quinoa, dried beans and legumes, canned beans and legumes, any ready-made sauces I need (spaghetti sauce, soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, curry, tikka masala, salsa, etc.), nut butter, as well as any herbs or spices, simple crackers (2-5 ingredients or less), and a loaf of real bread (100% whole grains, very few ingredients and no preservatives) and corn tortillas.
Skip ALL the junk food/trigger/temptation isles.
I repeat!
Skip ALL the junk food/trigger/temptation isles.
Don't even go down there. Even if it's "for the kids." They don't need it either. Especially if it's a trigger/temptation food for you.
Last of all, I stop at the meat section. Again, I don't eat it but my family does. I often buy lean ground turkey (93% fat free or more) and chicken breasts in bulk, repackage it, and freeze it for later. Occasionally I'll buy pre-portioned salmon pieces from the freezer section. I'll also stop by the deli section and get some sliced ham or turkey for sandwiches and after school snacks.
Buy what you eat, but try to keep it real.
Would you like a FREE printable guide of what to buy at the grocery store?
What's on your grocery shopping list? Share your favorites in the comments!
