How to grocery shop

Getting Ready

It's easier and cheaper to eat 'real' food than you might imagine. But first you need some. Here's how to start:

Look through your paper for the coupons section. See anything that appeals? Huge sale on chicken or fish? Take advantage and plan to make some meals from chicken and fish this week!
Clip those coupons. Join your local grocery 'club' which can save you money-you can get 2 for 1 prices, half prices and smaller discounts that really add up.

Getting Set

Think about what you need for food. You need basics: some kind of beverage (preferably something like milk and juice!), protein, vegetables, grains, fruit. The kinds of fruit, grains, etc can be whatever you like: hate apples? Get oranges instead. It's your food. Try to rotate for not only variety in taste but for nutrition's sake too!
It might be easier at first to shop more often-just for a couple of days. This makes it easier to plan what to eat (so you aren't planning so many days!), but does take a bit more time. It also is easier to buy things you don't need, so keep to a list if you shop a lot.
Make a list of what you want and bring that list and pen to the store.
Pack your coupons
Eat something before you go so you do not overspend or buy stuff that you don't really want to eat.

GO!

As you get stuff on your list just cross it off. Be sure you check that the food has not expired: there is often a label or a date stamped into the food. If you find a HUGE sale on something, but it expires that day, be sure you plan to eat it that day.
If you have health issues and have to watch what you eat, learn how to read the labels.
If you want 'pasta sauce' and you see fifty thousand types, pick one flavor you want and then see if there is one on sale or that you have a coupon for. Get that one!
Buy stuff from the bottom shelves. They are cheaper. Items at eye level are the more expensive brands.
Shop by yourself and only buy what you know you'll eat-you might like the idea of eating okra (yeah, right) but if it rots, it's money down the drain.
Go home and unpack. Don't leave meat, milk, fresh fruit, canned goods or bread sitting in a warm car.
As you finish something, or find something you want but don't have, just put it on your list for the next shop.

Bon Appetit!

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