Five steps to buying what you need
Grocery shopping seems simple enough; go to the store and buy whatever is going to restock your cabinets and fridge. Despite the simplicity of it all, however, we always end up with more bags and a much longer bill than we had originally thought. The fact of the matter is, grocery shopping needs a plan – and a well thought out one at that. We have compiled five easy steps for you to make that plan and become a professional, efficient grocery shopper.
Step One: Plan your meals in advance
It’s hard to know what you need to buy if you don’t know what you’re going to be cooking. Sit down and write out exactly what you’re going to be eating for each meal in the week ahead. This weekly meal plan will also help save time and energy on those busy days when the hardest decision seems to be what you’re going to make for dinner at the end of it all.
Step Two: Search your cabinets and fridge to see what you need
You (and any roommates that may be encompassed in the household grocery shopping task) should make a habit of writing down anything that runs out. Although, realistically, that list can be easily forgotten in the hustle and bustle of school and work, so checking your kitchen to see what needs to be replenished will be a good idea.
Step Three: Make a list
There are two kinds of people in this world: people who love lists, and people who need to learn to love lists. Write down everything that needs to be restocked from Step Two, followed by adding any further ingredients and food items that will be needed to follow your weekly meal plan. If you really want to go list-crazy, try to group certain items together. For example, list the meat products together, then the produce, and so on. This will help keep it a
smooth sailing shopping trip.
Step Four: Check the flyers
Go through the store flyers for the week to check out what’s on sale and where. Also, keep in mind that some grocery stores price match. If you don’t have a flyer delivered to your house, download one of the many flyers apps to your smart phone. Flipp is free and puts all of the weekly sales in the palm of your hand.
Step Five: Eat before you go shopping
This may seem like something your mother would say, you know, “You need to eat before you go out!” But mothers usually know best, anyway. Grocery shopping on an empty stomach could be bad news for your bank account. Realistically, walking up and down aisles of nothing but food while hungry could be anyone’s demise. To avoid purchasing unnecessary things out of hunger, cook something prior to the trip that will be sure to hold you over until after you’re finished shopping.