Mamabee

Grocery shopping made easy with six tips

There are some things we just hate doing; cleaning the garage on a Sunday, going to the office on a Monday, washing the driveway and doing the groceries. That’s right, groceries. For kids, grocery shopping is all about getting their favorite snacks and candies, but it’s nothing short of a struggle for the one doing it. 

Shopping for groceries can be an overwhelming experience for many, especially when shopping for a big family. Without planning or preparing a list, the entire experience can turn into a challenge. 

So, before you find yourself lost, staring at the endless aisles in the grocery store, let’s put you up with some fantastic tips which will make your grocery shopping a wonderful experience. 

1. Never go shopping without a list 

The golden rule of grocery shopping is never going without a list. Going without one might work when shoppig for clothes or accessories. But, when it comes to groceries, you might end up losing money and miss out on key items if you go without a list. 

Whether you are a weekly shopper or monthly, first run an inventory check of your pantry and fridge, list down whatever you are short on, and allocate a budget. Remember, you can get in and out of a store quickly with a well-prepared grocery list. 

2. Try buying nonperishable items online 

COVID-19 kicked online shopping into high gear, especially grocery shopping. In Canada, the winters made it challenging for families to get groceries while maintaining social distance. 

But now it’s easier. If you’re struggling to find a solution to get groceries without leaving the house, SPUD offers grocery delivery in Calgary. This means you can order all the groceries you need from the comfort of your home.

You can order items like juices, protein bars, nuts, crackers, or anything you need, without spending hours in queues or walking in aisles searching for stuff you need. 

3. Buy in bulk when necessary 

Usually, buying in bulk is budget-friendly, especially if you are stocking the freezer or the pantry. For instance, frozen fruits and vegetables, canned meat, pasta, rice, beans, and even different oils are great for buying in bulk. 

However, remember not to purchase large portions of foods you have never tried or aren’t likely to use regularly. Look out for the best deals, especially on stores that have bulk sections. 

4. Prepare checklist according to store layout 

Do you find yourself roaming about the aisles and buying as you go? Since you have other things to do as well, it’s best not to waste your time. 

When you know where all items are located, you can shop more efficiently. So, the best way to get it done quickly is to structure your buying list according to the store’s layout. 

If your go-to store has a produce section first, start your list with that and then proceed to everything else. Organize your list by food type and department, and create a mental map for future shopping trips. 

5. Don’t go with an empty stomach

Grocery shopping can be hard work, especially when the entire town is doing it simultaneously. If you go on an empty stomach you might end up experiencing extreme fatigue and exhaustion and it might also be bad for your wallet. 

It’s common sense that people are generally on edge and can’t concentrate when hungry. A hungry stomach can throw you off course, and you can wander into aisles with items that are not only unhealthy but are not also on your list. 

So, before you head out, have a nice protein-filled meal and keep a few snacks in your bag alongwith a water bottle. You can also avoid making unnecessary purchases with a full stomach. 

6. Shop for the pantry first

Your pantry is the first thing you should think about when grocery shopping. Since all the ingredients for your meals will come from there, you should do an inventory check for deciding the quantity of the items you require. 

Take a look at the food items which might be expiring soon, such as meat, pastes, canned items, and even vegetables and fruits. 

It might also help if you plan out your meals in advance. Knowing what you’ll be eating can help you zero in on the items you need without unnecessary wandering.

Conclusion 

Grocery shopping can be a nightmare if you go in unplanned. Since running low on food or forgetting to get your kid’s favorite cereal is not an option, you should prepare a detailed list of the items you need. If you want your grocery shopping to be a breeze, shop according to your budget, plan according to your go-to store’s layout in mind, and the meals you want to have for the week. Avoid shopping on an empty stomach and make healthy choices by going for veggies, fruits, and produce first.