Before kids, the grocery store was sort of like my casual walk in the park before or after a busy workday. Grocery shopping relaxed me. I would go almost every day to see my friends in the produce section or meat case. Now with kids, relaxation looks more like a bubble bath or massage, not the aisles of my local supermarket. Because I’m short on time and could fill up one cart with two kids rather than food, I have gotten smarter about my trips to the grocery store. Hence, why I stick to my list. I highly recommend you shop with a grocery list too— kids or not—- and here’s why:
1. A grocery list saves you money. When you make a list before going to the grocery store, you’ll likely spend less on impulse purchases and stick to the aisles that have the foods you are looking for.
2. A grocery list saves you time. A list prepares you for navigating the aisles and helps to limit the mindless wandering or “what should I buy for dinner tonight” moments. Which could take more than a few minutes to ponder!
3. A grocery list helps with food waste. Your grocery cart is bigger than your stomach. Much bigger. Buying more than you and your family will eat may lead to food spoiling— especially if you don’t eat it in time!
4. A grocery list is a tool for meal planning. What should you put on your list? Take some time to think about what you need vs. what you want, research some new recipes, think of the staples that you eat daily, and voila! You’ve planned some meals for the week.
5. A grocery list saves your waistline. Planned shopping trips might just be healthier— if you want them to be. Making a healthy foods list at home vs. shopping without a list will help to keep you on track and away from the ice cream section!
And now I unveil the Serbinski weekly grocery list. Constant. Unchanging. And fairly cost effective.
This is what we buy every week assuming out kitchen is stocked with “the basics.”
How about you—- what’s on your weekly grocery list that isn’t on mine?
