How To Be a Smart Shopper

 

 

 

 

How many times have you entered the supermarket and just wandered around thinking, "What am I making for dinner this week?" You then travel from aisle to aisle just waiting for your salivary glands to kick in or for a colorful item to simply catch your eye.  You then realize that you have to continue to travel back and forth between the aisles again just to complete the culinary masterpiece you just thought of!!!  I have just one question.....Who has the time to do this?????   In order to stop the supermarket mambo you need to have a well thought out descriptive shopping list.  Yes, I know this sounds so boring and Stepford Wives like, but this is the key to good nutrition and completing your shopping in record time.

 

When I say a list....I don't mean the little post-it note you jot down on your way out of the house or office....I mean a list that groups your foods by their assigned food group/section....like fruits, vegetables, grains/cereals, dairy, meats, deli etc..... As a Registered Dietitian, I can tell you that when you plan your meals in advance, in a good state of mind, and not rushed.....you will make the best nutritional choices.   First, ask yourself, "How much time do I have this week for meal preparation?"......Do I have to run to games, practices, work functions, or parties?  Second, ask yourself, "What's my food budget like this week?".....Do I have extra money to buy scallops?  Once you have answered these questions, you can start making your list.

 

Now that you know what you're going to eat, there is no guess work when you get into the market.  No longer will you need to make the 5th stop at the market for the week to get missing ingredients!!! One trip only is all you will need....One Stop Shopping!!!  Oh yeah, another plus....you also won't be tempted to "impulse buy" because you're just there to pick up a few things. 

 

Also, I highly recommend going to your local craft stores and picking up those magnetic fridge pads they sell in the "Dollar" bins.  I always have one on my fridge and every time you run out of an item...write it on the pad immediately so you definitely won't forget to pick it up. Your days of running out toothpaste over!!

 

Last, but certainly not least....don't forget to bring your GalsShopper with you to the market so that you too can enjoy a new efficient way of shopping.....hands free, organized, and looking up!  Now you are a Smart Shopper!