Grocery Shopping!

Let's talk about grocery shopping! 

How many of you would rather eat out for dinner rather than have to go to the grocery store, buy food, and make it yourself? I mean, after a long day of work, school, or taking care of the kids, that sounds like the better option for sure, and this is great to do every now and then when you really just aren't feeling it. (Because BALANCE) However, wouldn't you much rather know all the ingredients that are going into your meal and how it's being cooked? I know I would!

I'm here to tell you that grocery shopping and preparing food doesn't have to be a daunting task. I do have to say that grocery shopping has become one of my favorite activities... there is just something about it that sparks me up, and makes me happy. I'm thinking it's the fact I am getting all new goodies for the week ahead that I get to be creative with and eat. I love my food! Especially when it's food that's going to help my body thrive.

My 5 tips for grocery shopping

1.) Plan ahead.

This could be anything. Such as planning meals for the week and making a grocery list for the ingredients in those meals. This could also mean making a list of a bunch of staple items you can cook up and throw together for multiple meals throughout the week (typically my way of doing things). What I do personally before I head out is make a list in the notes section of my phone with the names of the different stores I like to go to. Then under the names I will put the items I am getting from each different store. As I get the items I put a heart emoji to check it off the list! Staying organized helps me to not spend money on things I don't need (not to say this always works... but for the most part it does!) I buy things like ground turkey, salmon, a whole chicken, eggs, quinoa, sweet potato, and all the veggies and fruit because they really are so versatile (picture above includes lots of my staples). When you get items like these, then all it comes down to is spices, you can do Mexican, Italian, Asian, or Indian, it's just about being creative with the flavors you use!

2.) Stay around the perimeter of the store.

The outer part of the grocery store is where the produce, meat, dairy products, and bread are located, helping you to make better choices. Rather than being enticed to purchase the more processed items you'll find in the center of the store.

3.) Look at labels.

Now, if you do happen to make it into the center of the store that is OK! Just be sure to take a peek at the labels of the processed items you're buying. Ingredients are KEY. You'd be surprised by all the stuff that is hidden in some of the popular packaged snacks. When buying processed items, I like to make sure the ingredients are all things I can pronounce and/or know what they are. This helps me to ensure I'm not consuming something I don't want to consume!

4.) Pay attention to prices.

I like to buy my food at multiple different stores because I have found that organic zucchini at one store could be a whole 30 cents cheaper per pound than at another store... and as a college student who likes her food that IS a big deal. So look around, and do a price comparison of the different stores, on the items you like to purchase all the time to save a little money on your groceries.

5.) Seek other options...

Now number 5 isn't so much a grocery shopping tip, but instead an alternative for you to consider if even after tips 1-4 you just you just rather not take the trip to the store. Luckily there are TONS of great options out there!

• Blue Apron/Hello Fresh

These are both companies that really do most of the work for you! Providing you with all the ingredients you need as well as recipes. All you have to do is make them! They are all properly portioned meals, with nutrition facts included. You have the option to choose how many recipes per week, and how many people you need to serve. I gave Blue Apron a try and loved it! It gave me delicious recipes I never would have thought to make on my own, and it was simple to follow with step by step instructions and pictures included! 

Meal courtesy of Blue Apron.

• Produce delivery (I use Klesick farms in WA state)-

This is a great way to change up the produce you're eating every week. It also ensures that you're getting in season items when possible, and depending on what company you choose you can get all organic, non GMO produce. I have been receiving produce boxes for about 2 months now and I love it! It's like a little present every Tuesday. The box arrives on my doorstep, and I get to open it to find a bunch of colorful produce! 

This weeks Klesick box!

• Amazon fresh or grocery store deliveries (Safeway)

This is not something I have personally tried out, but by the looks of it, its a great way to get you the groceries you need and save you some time!

Now all of these things do require money, and spending money on food ideally may not be what you want to do, but we all have to eat! So, why not take some time to think about what you're putting in your body and spending money on good for you foods. In the end you'll not only benefit because of the fact you're healthier, but you may also be surprised by the fact you save yourself some money from staying in rather than going out!

That's all from me! Hope this helped, at least a little :)

-Kels

** This is not a sponsored post, just sharing the companies I truly believe in. **