5 Grocery Shopping Tips
1. Eat before you shop
Never shop hungry. You will end up buying things you didn’t plan on buying.
2. If possible, leave the kids at home
We know this might not be possible for everyone. But if you can, try to take one hour of your week to do your main grocery shopping on your own. You’ll have more time to reflect on your purchases and explore new healthy choices. Pair up with a sister or a neighbor, to trade kids while you take turns shopping.
3. Keep a list, throughout the week
Keep a small pad of paper in your kitchen drawer, and write items down as you run low on them. Then, just before shopping, take 15-20 minutes to plan dinners for the week. Add any needed ingredients to your list, then finish it off by adding routine foods needed for breakfast and lunch. (Planning tip: make extra for dinner, and use the leftovers for lunch.)
4. Make a budget and try to stick to it
If you follow the first three steps, you’ll already be saving money. As you plan your meals, check supermarket ads for weekly specials, then stick to your list. Eating healthy can be economical when you substitute beans for meat and favor fresh, seasonal foods over the latest kiddie-commercial junk food.
5. Produce (fruits & veggies)
Try to buy whatever is in season because it will be cheaper and it will have the best flavor. If your local grocery store doesn’t have a good produce department, try to go to a local farmers market and get your produce there. The Food Network has a very cool seasonality guide, click here.
More and more stores offer pre-cut vegetables such as squash, carrots and sweet potatoes. When time is short, paying a little extra for pre-cut veggies will help guarantee that your family eats more of these healthy choices.
Remember that frozen or canned fruits and veggies are good for you too. Just make sure to avoid added sugar (in fruits) and salt (in vegetables).
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