Grocery Shopping Tips: How to Shop Smart and on a Budget

Are you ready to change your diet, but still feel a bit nervous about how to approach grocery shopping or want to stay within your budget? Fortunately, there are simple changes you can make to ensure your shopping experience is smooth and avoid breaking the bank. 

Here are some helpful tips to help you navigate the grocery store with ease: 

1. Check your pantry. What do you have on hand that supports your nutritional goals? What do you need to start keeping on hand? Keeping a running inventory of staple foods helps to support your meal-planning efforts.
2. Consider buying staple foods in bulk. Buying in bulk ahead of time can lead to greater savings down the road. For example, the price per ounce of brown rice in bulk is often lower than the price per ounce for brown rice in smaller bag servings. Be sure to pick up some sealable containers for storage to keep your dry goods in top shape. 
3. Plan your meals. Planning your meals narrows down what you need to buy and helps you use the food you purchase more efficiently.
4. Make a list. Making a list before grocery shopping can help prevent impulse buys, which may impact your budget. A list also enables you to stick with your meal plan.
5. Avoid shopping hungry. If you’re hungry, you may be inclined to buy food items that weren’t part of the plan. Try to have at least a snack before going shopping.
6. Consider frozen vegetables and fruits. Choosing fresh and frozen can help ensure you use all the produce you intend to use, and it doesn’t all go to the produce drawer to die. Frozen produce is an excellent choice from a nutrition standpoint and makes for a quick and easy choice when your fresh options are running low. 
7. Compare prices at different stores. Sometimes, the cost of a good at one store can be vastly different from another. Once you get familiar with the better deal, it’s helpful to stick to buying the less expensive food to save cash. 

Keep an eye out for discounts. Check weekly ads and scan for sales on products you purchase often.