Pushing my cart through the aisles, tossing stuff in the basket. I didn't actually know how to cook, but rather picked up the most convenient, ready to go meals that could be eaten for breakfast, lunch, dinner. (Full transparency: I did ALOT of shopping in the frozen food isle).
Fast forward 12 years, cleaner eating habits and feeding a whole family…. grocery shopping is just one more thing on my never-ending TO-DO list.
What am I going to cook this week?
When do I have time to go?
How much will the grocery bill be THIS week?
So, how can this weekly chore become less painful, less expensive, and less time-consuming?
Here are 5 tips for grocery shopping like a true #BossBabe.
From the moment you get home from your weekly grocery haul, begin making next week's list.
Keep it on the fridge or somewhere accessible for the rest of the family to add items.
Making a list all week will help eliminate missed items and multiple trips to the store. Because let's be honest… how many times have you walked into a store for one item and actually left with only that single item?!
Multiple trips often yield in extra, unplanned items… which equal extra money and extra time from your already busy schedule.
If online shopping isn't an option where you live, or grocery shopping alone is equivalent to a mini-vacation (#MomLife)… get in your car and go enjoy that alone time, woman! Grab a coffee, push that cart through at your leisure, and knock every item off your life… but by all means, please don't enter that store with a ravenous appetite. There's no better guarantee of coming home with unwanted items than entering a store famished. Everything looks good and it's harder to pass them up. If you're heading to the store after work, after the gym or such… pack a hearty snack that will curb your appetite and any unwanted cravings that might take over when meandering through the isles. Consider snacks that can be stored in your car ensure you're never caught empty-handed: Nuts, a protein/meal replacement bar, low sugar trail mix, jerky.
As everyone's schedules get busier, as does the demand and popularity for online shopping. Amazon Prime/Amazon Grocery delivers straight to your door. Retailers such as Target & Walmart now offer a "drive up" service to pick up your order; perfect for the mom with small children. No need to even get out of your car! Can't leave your house? Even grocery stores are hopping on the convenience train by offering same-day delivery services.
Who doesn't like saving $$$.
Start outside, work your way in.
My wish is that one, some, or all of these tips will offer you some sanity to the never-ending duty that is grocery shopping. And that the next time you leave the grocery store, you walk out feeling like the BOSS that you already are. Happy shopping!