You NEED a grocery list when shopping and if you do not have one, you might as well not even go.
How many times have you returned from the grocery store with more items (that were not on your list) than the items you actually needed?
Grocery List Saves money.Saves time. Shopping with a grocery list, directs you to each item.
Here are some tips to get you started:
At home
First Print it and then Laminate it.
Second attach it to your refrigerator with magnets.
Keep a pad of paper on your refrigerator Or your wall and when you think of something you need, put it on the list.That means by the time it is time to get groceries again, you have a pretty good idea of what you need.
Meal plan. At the beginning of the week (or whenever it is convenient), I make a list of all the ingredients needed to make the meals I have on the meal plan. This is what I call intentional cooking. Having specific meals planned, doesn't cause stress at 5:00 wondering what's for dinner. I know I will have the ingredients I need for the meal and am ready to make whatever is on the menu for the night. This also prevents me from buying items that I have no use for or no recipe to use them in.
For example Menu for the Week
Lunch Menu:
(We like to add fruit and/or carrots to any of these “entrees”)
Pasta (my kids love it)
Ravioli
Macaroni and cheese
Vegetarian corn dogs
Vegetarian hamburgers
Hot dogs
Chicken, turkey
Graham crackers and milk
English muffins
Peanut butter and fluff sandwiches
Whole wheat toast
Soup
Yogurt or cheese sticks, crackers
Leftovers
Dinner:
Steak fajitas
Grocery list: Steak, tortillas, onions, peppers, salsa, cheese and sour cream
Tuna, broccoli & pasta casserole and cheddar biscuits
Grocery list: Tuna, broccoli, pasta, cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs
Southwestern steak salad
Grocery list: Mixed greens or romaine lettuce, tomatoes or salsa, grilled steak, and any or all of the following: cucumbers, corn, black beans, avocado and dressing of your choice
Pasta salad with balsamic vinaigrette and artichokes
Grocery list: Rotini pasta, fresh spinach, fresh basil, grape tomatoes, sundried tomatoes, feta cheese, mozzarella cheese, marinated artichoke hearts, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic and lemon
BLT Pasta Salad, garlic toast and salad
Grocery List: Pasta shells, bacon, ranch dressing, onion, tomatoes, lettuce and garlic toast
Biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs and fruit salad
Grocery list: Biscuits, sausage, milk, flour, eggs and fruit
Beef roast, hashbrown potatoes and broccoli
Grocery list: Beef roast, carrots, onion, garlic, celery, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, bbq sauce, hashbrown
potatoes and broccoli.
In supermarkets
Start off your grocery list by starting it the minute you walk through the door with your groceries from the week.That is where your "running grocery list" is vital in your household.