Grocery Shopping Sabatoge

Lets face it, grocery shopping can be overwhelming. I mean the carts that are entirely too bug for the aisles, the cute old couple that always seems to be RIGHT where you need be and of course you nagging adorable child that wants EVERYTHING bright colored! It is one of my least favorite chores in my entire week (laundry wins because I feel like it is NEVER ending).

So what can we do as busy parents to make grocery shopping easier, less stressful and efficient? I'll share my secret, its not the only way but its worked for my family and is still going strong.

1. Meal Plan
Yes it takes time when you're first starting out and if you're like me the idea of having to decide on a Sunday what you' re going to eat on Friday seems unrealistic. Well I'll tell ya something, not knowing what you are having every night for dinner is RIDICULOUS (not to mention a waste of time). There are a zillion ways to do, in fact I'll likely blog about that later but what really matters is that you list out your five to six meals (break, lunch, dinner, and 2 snacks). I have a template saved on my computer and here's a little secret... I reuse meal plans

2. Make A List

Yeah that's simple right? Well if you're like me and want to be in and out as soon as possible then you LIST is the most important item you can have. Sit down with your meal plan and recipes and start listing. Here a grocery supper pro tip, group your foods by where they are located in the store your shopping at. I know you're thinking, "I don't remember where all these things are located". Use your common sense people and group like minded things together. For example, when I shop at Giant I know the dairy section is at the END but at Wegmans's dairy is smack in the middle. Grouping makes efficiency! There are many grouped stationary or create you own, whatever works for you.

3. Get Your Family On Board
This might be the hardest thing to do with grocery shopping. Every Sunday (after my workout) my family knows it's meal planning time. I ask them "what do you need from the store?" As they shout out things like "pretzels" and "this new cereal where the cereal bites back" (yes that was on my list today), I jot them down in their appropriate groups. Now use you judgment. If your 5 year old asks for something that is tempting to you don't get it. Here's a mom tip... Out it on the list and the "inadvertently" not get it. Use saying "the store was all out", "oops I didn't hear you ask for that", "or simply "awww man I forgot".

4. Stick To Your List
First of all you spent the past hour or so preparing this meal plan and list so why the hell would you deviate? Oh because as your walking down the aisle you realize that having that you'd like to treat yourself to some Halloween candy. If you make your list your primary focus while shopping I guarantee  you won't even notice the sweets or snacks you "want" but don't need (cause of course you listed everything you need- see item 3). If you have grocery shopping companions, you must enforce this adherence to them as well. That being said, if my daughter asks to put something in the cart I tell her "remember to put it on the list next time". likely they will forget.

So what's the benefit of shopping like this???

MAJOR TIME SAVER- you are in and out. Yup could seriously win and episode of  Supermarket Sweep! You already have to dodge the cute couple and all others who haven't read these tips; don't get caught up in that.

MAJOR MONEY SAVER- When you willy nilly throw items into your cart your also willy nilly throwing money away. You don't need those things, you are letting your indulgences control. If you're on a strict budget anywhere you can save, you will.

KEEPS YOU ON THE ROAD TO SUCCESS- You've got goals and you're determined to surpass them. Weld my friends, nutrition 80% of the battle and 90% is taken place in the grocery store. In order to NOT sabotage your hard work, you've got to set yourself up for success.