- I have said it before and I will say it again, prepare a thoughtful list of groceries that include a range of foods to suit everyone’s nutritional needs as this is normally the first thing to go out the window when you arrive at the supermarket. Preparation is the key to success!
- Keep a running list through the week every time that you run out of something that may be a staple in your pantry as these are the most frustrating items to be without and will make it hard for you during the week if you don’t have it on hand. Get your family involved if you have children, as they can be your little helpers to keep you posted when you have run out of something too.
- It may sound like an old wives tale, but one thing that I have learnt from experience is not to go shopping for groceries when you are hungry. Don’t laugh…it is true! When you are hungry whilst scanning down isles full of quick-fixes, or sugary treats that you think will just help you get through to the next meal, you are more than likely to sub conscientiously put them in your trolley!
- Take the time to chat to the store people that you always see stocking the cartons in the fresh food section of your favourite supermarket and find out the details on which day your favourite fruit and vegetables are stocked. If possible, try and make this your nominated grocery shopping day so that you get the best pick of those fresh, nutritious essentials.
- In this day and age of time-poor families, parents and individuals, the larger supermarkets make it easy for you to go to a ‘one-stop-shop’ for all you pantry needs. This is understandably tempting when you only have a set amount of time in which to replenish your food stocks at home. But where possible, try to multi-shop, which is not being afraid to go to more than one store as you could actually save significant amount of money across a year’s worth of groceries by following the specials. Also, don’t be afraid to visit a Co-op once is a while for some fresh fish!
- This has to be one of the most important tips when grocery shopping. Check the nutritional label of any packaged item that you buy, just so that you know exactly what you are putting into your and your family’s bodies. Packaged products can often contain preservatives and chemical additives to make them supposedly taste better and last longer on the shelves.
- Try to do one trip even if it takes you a little longer than you might like as multiple quick trips to the convenience or corner store can be costly as their prices are generally higher than the supermarket giants.
- Left-overs! Make sure that as you get towards the end of a week, you are emptying your fridge of left overs and making meals out of them. This is a cost effective way of minimising waste.
- I like to have a figure in my mind of how much I can spend on groceries each week. Keep this as a realistic figure that can often be subject to changes up and down. If you do budget most of the time, then this will allow you the financial freedom to splurge a little for special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries.
- If you can, attempt to keep the amount of pre-processed foods to a minimum in your grocery list as it is beneficial in more ways than one. They are often more expensive than purchasing the raw ingredients, as well as being nutrient deficient as they lose valuable vitamin and mineral content through the various processes that they go through to get from being a natural ingredient to the packaged goods on grocery store shelves.
