Confession time…
I wish I had a chef, if you're with me, raise your hand!
You might have a list, but then you get to the store and boom,
You walk in, you see those big bright lights, and all of a sudden… your mind goes blank.
What were you here for again?
This is a great reminder of how the “magic” of a great shopping trip begins before you hit the store.
It may seem like a mindless chore, but grocery shopping is an important life skill.
It plays a HUGE role in your results, your health, AND your bank account!
That’s why I’ve put together a list of 9 Pro-Level Grocery Skills to help you make the most of your shopping trips.
9 Pro-Level Grocery Skills to Implement ASAP:
1. Plan first, then make your list
This one is obvious! Before you head to the store, scan your kitchen for what you have on hand. Make a meal plan for the week, using up any food that is about to expire. Then, make your grocery list, listing “like” items together for easier shopping. As easy as that sounds, there is a ton of room for error here.
I Just discovered the app MEALIME, and it's amazing. I scroll through and pick out the meals I want, let it create a grocery list based on the amount of servings I want for each meal, and then head to my online cart to fill the list. My kids have approved of all the meals so far, and it's free. I do feel like it's saving me money and my sanity, because making grocery lists off of recipes on pinterest is a pain in the butt! And you never come out with exactly what you need;)
2. Shop the perimeter – but make produce your last stop
Hit the frozen foods, dairy, and meat sections before you add the most fragile products to your chart – fresh fruits, veggies, and eggs.
3. Go seasonal + local
Choose fruits and veggies that are in season and are locally sourced – they usually are fresher and tastier. Plus, you’ll be supporting local farms.
4. Buy in bulk (but only if it makes sense)
For non-perishable items you buy a lot (like oatmeal or rice), buying in bulk can save you money. But if it’s something you don’t use often, it may expire before you have a chance to use it.
5. If your grocery store has an app, download it
Snag some great coupons based on your shopping history and store maps to help you find items. I absolutely love filling my online shopping cart in the days leading up to pick up day. The first time I had my groceries brought out to me without going into the store, I felt like it was Christmas morning. No Joke, online is definitely the way to go.
6. Try store brands & shop sales
Store brands are usually the same quality as name brands but less expensive. When it comes to sales, being flexible is the key – but like bulk items, don’t buy unless it’s something you’re going to use.
7. Read food labels
Most of the items in your cart may not have a label because real “whole” foods don’t need them. For the ones that do? Read your labels.
8. Unit pricing
Smart shoppers compare the unit price (e.g., per ounce or liter) of different items instead of the price per container. Sometimes those bigger boxes aren’t the deal they appear to be!
9. Know the staff
Get to know the store’s fishmonger, butcher, and produce manager. They can steer you to great deals on the freshest food or suggest new items to try.
🎁 And here’s a bonus tip: be flexible and prepared to “pivot” your meal plan (and grocery list) based on in-store deals or what the store has on the shelves.
Because… sometimes the store will surprise you with a sale on Bing cherries or wild-caught sockeye salmon… and you just HAVE to have it!
Committed to Your Health and Fitness,
Jo
Choosing Strength with Jo Curley
P.S. You’d be surprised at how the “little things” like changing how you grocery shop can add up to big results. In the choosing strength membership, we work on stacking these small changes week by week so you have the BEST chance of making them stick. Plus, we help you find a direction and stick to it so you can gain back your strength and energy in the quickest ways possible.
Want to see how it works? Check it out here!
When you wake up and can already tell you're going to have "one of those mornings" or you need a break already but aren't sure what to do. This is the perfect, quick 10 minute routine that gives your whole body a stretch and revival that just feels amazing! Talk about a reset to get on with the rest of the day...or do it at night before bed and let the day fade out.
Lots of front body stretching to open up a constricted chest and hips and get the flow, flowin' again:)
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