Hi! Hello!
I’m not sure if you knew this about me, but I worked for a division of a major retailer (grocery store) chain for almost 3 years. Now, to some that might not sound like a fun job, but let me tell you, I LOVED that job for a hundred different reasons. One of the biggest reasons was I learned some amazing tips, tricks, facts, and all the ins and outs of how grocery stores operate and I am forever grateful for this knowledge. I wanted to pop in and share with you some of my top tips for grocery shopping from a dietitian and mom to 2 boys.
So let’s jump in!
- Shop all of the aisles, not just the perimeter. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard people say, “I’m trying to eat healthier, so I am only shopping the perimeter of the grocery store.” FALSE! There are countless healthy options found on every single aisle of the grocery store. I’ll speak to this a little bit more in later tips, but don’t be afraid to shop the entire grocery store!
- Buy canned items. Ok so this might seem pretty common sense; “canned beans are nutrient-dense, I know!” I’m talking about more than just canned beans though! I’m talking about anything canned, like canned green beans, canned fruit, canned tomatoes, canned tuna, all of them. First, these are great to have on hand in case of emergencies, but they are also great for when you need dinner in a pinch. So don’t be afraid to stock your pantry with lots of canned items, simply choose items that have “low sodium” “no salt added” or “100% fruit juice” on them.
- Use the bulk section for specialty items. Have a yummy looking recipe that calls for ½ cup of farro, but you don’t even know what farro is? Check out the bulk section for some of these items. Most chains have at least a small bulk section where some of these items can be found. This is great to help you lower the amount that you waste, but it’s also a more affordable option.
- Shop seasonally. This applies MOSTLY to the produce area, but did you know that fresh salmon has a season? Yup, you read that right. Struggling to know what it’s in season? Don’t worry, here’s an insider tip: shop the weekly ad. When items are on super discount, that typically means that it’s in season and will be affordable and fresh.
- Go with a plan. Even if it’s a super simple plan, have it somewhat together when you go to the store. This helps you be more efficient with your time and ensures that you don’t get home and you have 100 snacks and no food for dinners.
Ok, there you have it! These are my most tried and true tips for grocery shopping. I’d love to hear from you what are some of your biggest struggles when it comes to grocery shopping? Comment below.