Grocery shopping

Does the phrase "grocery shopping" strike fear into your heart? Here are some tips to help make the process less painful.

1. Make a list!!!!

If you have a list the temptation to purchase extra, unnecessary items is greatly minimized. Making a list means you have a plan for meals, already know what is in the pantry, and only shop for missing ingredients. Occasionally, I do flex from the list if I see a regular pantry item on sale and can stock up at a good price.

2. Shop the perimeter of the store!!!!

The perimeter of the store is where the fresh foods are stocked. The center aisles typically have processed food items, and non-food items. If you need items from the center aisles, look for organic and whole ingredients.

3. Read, read, read, labels!!!! (see my previous post on what not to buy)

Read the ingredients on the label. Look for things that have few ingredients on the list. Make sure all the ingredients are recognizable. (If you can't pronounce it or aren't sure what it is, don't buy it.) Also check the sodium and fat content of the item. (Many quick fix items are more nutritious, when made from scratch at home. Often you can prepare a larger batch and freeze the extra for something quick later.)

4. Stick to your budget!!!!

If you have a set amount to spend, don't go over it. Use coupons or substitute one item for another that is on sale. For example if a recipe calls for chicken breast, but whole chickens are on sale, buy one of those and cut the meat off the bones yourself. Likewise with produce, if red leaf lettuce is less expensive than romaine, purchase it instead.

5. Compare prices!!!

Certain staples are a part of every pantry. Know your local grocery stores, and be familiar with their specials. You may buy milk at one store, and eggs at another depending on their prices. I shop 3-4 stores on a regular basis and know the prices and stock up when they have sales if the budget allows.

Hopefully these tips will help streamline your grocery shopping experience.