PCOS Blog Post: Smart Grocery Shopping

November 15, 2009

Well, it's Sunday and many of you are probably heading to the grocery store. Grocery shopping can be a daunting task as well as an expensive one, but it doesn't have to be if you have a plan.

I have an ongoing list of items I always need in my kitchen. If I run out of an item or want to make a certain recipe I add it to my list. I keep a pretty stocked pantry of dry goods, so it's easy to always have something to make; which means less items on my weekly list.

I eat organic, whole foods, since organic food is becoming more widely eaten many stores are coming out with their brand names in certain products, which is more economical. Like, peanut butter and spaghetti sauce.

I look at store ads to see what's on sale this week and plan my meals according to fresh ingredients on sale. I buy items that I know I will use when they are on sale and store them; beans, canned tomatoes, vegetable or chicken broth.

Since, I make a list before I go to the store I stick to it while I'm there. I spend less time and money. I shop mostly in the outside aisles; inside aisles are more processed items, that I don't need. This also makes my trip to the super market shorter.

Another option for spending less at the market is to contact a local, organic farm and get meat from them. You'll have to buy in bulk, however, in the long run you'll save a lot of money.

During the spring, summer, and into early fall I frequent the farmer's market, the produce is the freshest you'll get except in your own garden with reasonable prices.

The key to smart shopping and saving money is to plan ahead. I never have to buy my staple ingredients at full price because I've gotten them on sale. Make a list, plan your meals ahead of time, and stick to it.