How do you grocery shop?

Question

Do you just buy what looks good and think of what to make with it later, or do you plan your meals and get what you need to fulfill your weekly menu?

Answer 1

I plan a monthly menu. I make a grocery list every two weeks. I check the sales adds and the coupons for stuff on my list and buy them if they are cheaper and I stick to the list. Shopping without a list causes extra money to be spent on unnecessary items. However, I make sure that my pantry is always restocked on staples to keep from having to use gas for constant trips. And I NEVER go to the store with an empty stomach.

Answer 2

When all the grocery store flyers come on the weekend, I make a list of all the specials, trying to co-ordinate them with what I have on hand in the fridge, cupboards, and what's in the freezer. I don't write out a formal menu plan, but have a rough idea of what I'll make all week so as not to cook chicken three days in a row! Once at the grocery store, I don't do a lot of "extra" buying, because it's really not in the budget.

Answer 3

I shop almost every day. I prefer to buy everything fresh and start from scratch. I'm trying to give up all processed food since it's so bad for you. A good rule of thumb is to shop around the outside of the store, produce, meat, dairy and bakery. Most of the aisles in the middle are filled with processed crap. I do buy rice and pasta and lentils and stuff in the middle. I cook almost every night, but I'm a housewife so I have the time. I recommend a slow cooker for all working people. Put the vegetables in as soon as you get home from work instead of in the morning. Turn the pot up to high and the veggies should be cooked in about a half hour. This way your veggies aren't all mushy.

Answer 4

I live really close to a grocery store so I usually shop pretty often. Our schedule goes like this.
Sunday- I shop for what I'm going to cook monday and stock up on meal parts for the week. We usually go out on Sunday
Monday. I cook big meal
Tuesday-Thurs Usually we have easy meals like Ravioli from Costco or just some eggs or some chili and rice.
Friday and Saturday. One day we go out and one day we have something easy like spaghetti.

Answer 5

I plan my meals in advance. I live on a fixed income, I have discovered it's, the only way to save money. One other thing you must stick to the list. If you figured out how much you spend on food in a month. You'd be shocked. All the times you stop & get a hambuger, or fried chicken or ordered pizza in. I'm talking everything! I'm just one person, I was spending over $367. a month. That has stopped!

Answer 6

for gods sake paris, make a list. If you go into a grocery store without a plan you will walk out with no money and a bunch of stuff you dont need. Make every day a theme, for example mexican monday, and buy what you need to make the meal for that day and every day of the week.

Answer 7

1. Make a list
2. Check it twice
3. Eat something *
4. Go to your favorite grocery store
5. Buy what is on your list
6. Take what you bought home
7. Put the groceries away **

*Eating before you shop will prevent you from buying food that you dont need and will save you money

** HINT- if you bought it in the freezer section, put it in your freezer, if you bought it in the fridge section, put it in the fridge, the rest in cubords or wherever else

Answer 8

I buy what I think looks good and plan a meal around it. I do make sure I get the basics first tho. Coffee, creamer, Potatoes, eggs, butter, sugar, flour, etc. Then I get some meat and fresh fruits and vegs. then I head for the canned goods.

Answer 9

I can only plan a few days - how am I suppose to know what I'll be in the mood for in a week?

But then I don't usually grocery shop, that's my husband's job!

Answer 10

I always buy on sale and I use coupons. First of all just be creative and what are the most important basic ingredients or need our homes. I can go to Famers Market, they are cheaper than groceries. Imported stores have better deals for foreign uses if you need them. Also, remember look for ad sales in your mail.