If you're like me, you love grocery shopping. Not like me? Huh. Never would have guessed that. Doesn't everyone love shopping for food? Well, regardless of your opinion on pacing the supermarket aisles, it has to be done at one time or another. If you dread going, chances are it's because you dislike the cost associated with the trips. Or you just dislike the crowds, but I can't really help you there. I am here to give you 10 Healthy and Affordable Shopping Tips to make your next trip to the supermarket a little easier on you...and your wallet.
1.) Make a list
This one may sound simple, but it works! If you go to the store armed with a list of goods you are looking to purchase, you will stay on track and hopefully leave without forgetting a thing. This limits impulse purchases.
2.) Don't shop hungry
If your stomach is growling while you're checking items off your list, you're likely to add a few unnecessary goodies to the cart. Understandably, everything looks more appetizing while you're hungry. To avoid this, eat a meal before you go or bring a snack with you to munch on. Don't skip a meal to go shopping. This doesn't usually end well.
3.) Set a budget and stick to it
Once you've created your shopping list, estimate what your total cost might be for the trip. Put a number on paper (or in your head) and stick to it as best you can. If you feel like you're exceeding that number by a large amount, choose sparingly what you put in the cart and maybe even take some things out. This will prevent you from piling more and more on top of what you truly need.
4.) Buy in bulk
This one is hard for some people because you do need to have adequate space to store extra food. Cost-effective stores such as Costco and Sam's Club are great places to purchase items at a discount. This is especially helpful for families or frat houses. Kidding...but really, they should start shopping at Costco. Yes, you have to spend more money up front due to the large quantity, but in the end you save considerable money. This is by far my favorite tip and I make it a point to go once per month.
5.) Shop the perimeter
This tip is beneficial for health reasons as well as protecting your pocketbook. The middle aisles are typically full of processed and packaged foods. These items can sometimes be at higher prices due to the advertising costs and manufacturing costs that go along with them. Not to mention, they aren't as friendly to your waistline in most circumstances. Steer clear unless you are looking for something specific.
6.) Check the clearance section
I am notorious for buying clearance or discounted products at grocery stores. Many times, the expiration date is the date of purchase or a couple days after. This scares some shoppers, but I am comfortable knowing that the store wouldn't have the product on the shelf if it wasn't safe to consume. Abide by the expiration date, and all should be fine. This is especially handy when picking up things for last minute meals or get-togethers.
7.) Don't buy brand
Sometimes this is inevitable, however avoiding brand names when possible can seriously decrease your receipt total. Compare ingredients between brand and off-brand products when making a decision. If you can't spot a major difference, choose the off-brand option and save your money.
8.) Use coupons
I'm not saying to go total 'extreme coupon-ing' on me, but do pay attention to ads and discounts for certain food items. I love to review mailers for local grocery stores before heading out for my trip. This allows me to see if anything is on sale and make my list accordingly. Larger stores, such as Costco, also send out mailers that let you know which items will be on sale for the majority of the month. This is so helpful when planning ahead! If you don't currently get their mailer, they also have an app you can download.
9.) Don't buy in excess
While purchasing goods in bulk can save money, it does the exact opposite if food spoils or gets tossed away before you get a chance to enjoy it. When making a buying decision, determine if you can really eat all of what you are taking home before it expires. If not, make a plan. Will you freeze some? Will you make a large batch of something good and then freeze the leftovers for a rainy day? Will you give some away to your loving neighbors or favorite blogger ;)? Determine what you will do with the excess food and then decide if it's a smart purchase or not.
10.) Avoid pre-cut or prepared foods
You would be amazed at how much money you're being charged to get cheese that's already grated or veggies that are already chopped. Save some money and do the prepping yourself. Not only will your wallet thank you, but you will feel more capable in the kitchen. Don't pay someone else to do your prep work, unless of course your're crunched for time and don't mind the extra cost.
Hopefully you're ready to tackle your week of grocery shopping with a few more useful tips in your arsenal. Keep an eye out for awesome deals and don't be afraid to stock up when you find them (if they won't spoil). Be a savvy shopper and make the healthiest choices for your body.
Melissa Stoner R.D., C.P.T.
Registered Dietitian
Certified Personal Trainer
Professional Chef
1.) Make a list
This one may sound simple, but it works! If you go to the store armed with a list of goods you are looking to purchase, you will stay on track and hopefully leave without forgetting a thing. This limits impulse purchases.
2.) Don't shop hungry
If your stomach is growling while you're checking items off your list, you're likely to add a few unnecessary goodies to the cart. Understandably, everything looks more appetizing while you're hungry. To avoid this, eat a meal before you go or bring a snack with you to munch on. Don't skip a meal to go shopping. This doesn't usually end well.
3.) Set a budget and stick to it
Once you've created your shopping list, estimate what your total cost might be for the trip. Put a number on paper (or in your head) and stick to it as best you can. If you feel like you're exceeding that number by a large amount, choose sparingly what you put in the cart and maybe even take some things out. This will prevent you from piling more and more on top of what you truly need.
4.) Buy in bulk
This one is hard for some people because you do need to have adequate space to store extra food. Cost-effective stores such as Costco and Sam's Club are great places to purchase items at a discount. This is especially helpful for families or frat houses. Kidding...but really, they should start shopping at Costco. Yes, you have to spend more money up front due to the large quantity, but in the end you save considerable money. This is by far my favorite tip and I make it a point to go once per month.
5.) Shop the perimeter
This tip is beneficial for health reasons as well as protecting your pocketbook. The middle aisles are typically full of processed and packaged foods. These items can sometimes be at higher prices due to the advertising costs and manufacturing costs that go along with them. Not to mention, they aren't as friendly to your waistline in most circumstances. Steer clear unless you are looking for something specific.
6.) Check the clearance section
I am notorious for buying clearance or discounted products at grocery stores. Many times, the expiration date is the date of purchase or a couple days after. This scares some shoppers, but I am comfortable knowing that the store wouldn't have the product on the shelf if it wasn't safe to consume. Abide by the expiration date, and all should be fine. This is especially handy when picking up things for last minute meals or get-togethers.
7.) Don't buy brand
Sometimes this is inevitable, however avoiding brand names when possible can seriously decrease your receipt total. Compare ingredients between brand and off-brand products when making a decision. If you can't spot a major difference, choose the off-brand option and save your money.
8.) Use coupons
I'm not saying to go total 'extreme coupon-ing' on me, but do pay attention to ads and discounts for certain food items. I love to review mailers for local grocery stores before heading out for my trip. This allows me to see if anything is on sale and make my list accordingly. Larger stores, such as Costco, also send out mailers that let you know which items will be on sale for the majority of the month. This is so helpful when planning ahead! If you don't currently get their mailer, they also have an app you can download.
9.) Don't buy in excess
While purchasing goods in bulk can save money, it does the exact opposite if food spoils or gets tossed away before you get a chance to enjoy it. When making a buying decision, determine if you can really eat all of what you are taking home before it expires. If not, make a plan. Will you freeze some? Will you make a large batch of something good and then freeze the leftovers for a rainy day? Will you give some away to your loving neighbors or favorite blogger ;)? Determine what you will do with the excess food and then decide if it's a smart purchase or not.
10.) Avoid pre-cut or prepared foods
You would be amazed at how much money you're being charged to get cheese that's already grated or veggies that are already chopped. Save some money and do the prepping yourself. Not only will your wallet thank you, but you will feel more capable in the kitchen. Don't pay someone else to do your prep work, unless of course your're crunched for time and don't mind the extra cost.
Hopefully you're ready to tackle your week of grocery shopping with a few more useful tips in your arsenal. Keep an eye out for awesome deals and don't be afraid to stock up when you find them (if they won't spoil). Be a savvy shopper and make the healthiest choices for your body.
Melissa Stoner R.D., C.P.T.
Registered Dietitian
Certified Personal Trainer
Professional Chef