Grocery shopping is something everyone has to do. However, it can feel like a challenge sometimes. But don’t fret as we have some grocery shopping tips for you. You might want to pick out snacks for school, help your family with meals, or plan a party. Regardless of what you need at the grocery store, the trip there is not always as easy as it seems.
There are some things that make store trips challenging sometimes. You might need to stick to a budget, determine which foods are the healthiest, or deal with the crowds and long lines. There is also the problem of selecting something out of the many choices on the shelves. It can be hard to know where to start or how to make the best decisions.
However, grocery shopping does not have to be stressful. With a little planning and the right tips, you can make the experience faster, easier, and even more enjoyable. This article will walk you through simple tricks to save money, choose better food, and stay organized while shopping. Whether you are shopping for yourself or helping out your family, these nine tips will make your next trip to the store a breeze.
1. Always Go Prepared
Before you go shopping, take some time to plan out your meals for the week. Think about what you want to eat. Write down all the ingredients you will need.
When you have a list, you are less likely to get distracted and buy random things you do not actually need. Sticking to your list will help you eat healthier and save money.
2. Do Not Shop Hungry
Shopping is not a trivial activity; it needs strength to be carried out. Therefore, when you are going to a grocery store, try not to go when you are hungry.
If you are starving, you are more likely to grab snacks or other unhealthy foods. You would do this just because they look tasty at the moment. This will not be a good idea when you have to shop on a budget. Planning ahead and eating beforehand will help you make smarter choices while shopping.
3. Start on the Outer Edges of the Store
When you are shopping for groceries, it is usually smart to start on the outer edges of the store. This is because the outer aisles usually have fresh foods like vegetables, fruits, dairy products, fish, chicken, and lean meats. Look for fruits and vegetables that are in season. This is because they are usually cheaper and fresher. You can also check for healthy items that are on sale to save money.
Once you are done with the outer aisles, move to the middle of the store and look for canned foods, like beans, fruits, and vegetables. You should pick options without added sugar or salt. On this aisle, you can also find whole grains, such as quinoa, brown rice, pasta, barley, or bulgur.
Last but not the least, head to the frozen food section and pick up frozen fruits and vegetables. They last longer and are easy to use anytime. Try to skip aisles with junk food like sodas, candy, and cookies. These aisles are full of processed foods, which are not healthy. If you go down these aisles, you might grab something that is not good for you. This plan can help you make healthier choices while shopping and even save some money.
4. Always Read Nutrition Facts Labels and Ingredients List
When you are shopping for food, it is important to check the Nutrition Facts labels and the list of ingredients on the package. Even if two products seem the same, they can have different amounts of nutrients.
If you have more than one option, compare their labels. Pick the one with the least sodium (salt), saturated fat, and added sugars. You can also look online or in stores for products with a heart check mark. This mark shows that the product is healthy for your heart and meets certain nutrition standards.
5. Look for “Whole” Food
Pay attention to the word “whole” on food packages. Choose foods that list a whole grain as the first ingredient.
Some examples of whole grains are sorghum, brown rice, oats, and whole-grain bread or pasta. Eating more whole grains and fiber is good for your health, so take some time to learn about these foods.
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6. Buy “Lean” Food
When buying food, try to pick healthier options. For healthy proteins, look for packages that say “lean.” This means the meat has less fat. Some good examples are top sirloin, flank steak, tenderloin, or chicken breasts without skin.
If you are buying canned fish or chicken, choose the ones packed in water, not oil. You can also look for labels like “no salt added” or “lower sodium.”
7. Canned Fruits and Vegetables
It is a good idea to keep canned fruits and vegetables at home because they last a long time. For canned vegetables, pick ones with “no salt added” or “lower sodium” on the label. Frozen vegetables are great, too, but make sure they do not have sauces, seasonings, or salt.
Before you eat canned veggies or beans, rinse them with water. This will help to remove extra salt. For canned fruits, go for the ones packed in water or natural juice. Make sure to avoid the ones with added sugar. The same goes for frozen fruits. Choose ones without extra sugar, syrups, or sweeteners.
8. Take Your Own Cooler Bags With You
When you go shopping, take cooler bags with you. These bags will help to keep your cold or frozen foods at the right temperature. This way, you would not have to bother about your frozen purchases while you shop.
However, you should not jumble all the cold or frozen food together. To keep your food safe, make sure you bag them separately. For example, fruits and vegetables should be separated from meat.
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9. Divide Your Purchases Into Portions
When you get home, divide your snacks into smaller portions. Each type of food should be divided into separate containers.
For example, put foods like unsalted nuts, whole-grain crackers, grapes, cherries, celery sticks, or baby carrots into small containers or snack-sized bags. This will make it easier to eat the right amount and choose healthy snacks quickly.
