How to Make a Grocery List
The grocery store is a heavenly mecca of deliciousness, but going in without a game plan can turn it into an extremely daunting place. With endless options and so many tempting treats, it can become overwhelming (especially when you go there hungry!). That is where a grocery list comes in handy. A list or at least some type of outline is an extreme time and money saver - lists have made our grocery trips efficient and under 30 minutes. It keeps you on track to buy what you actually need and not come home with ingredients that don’t go together and will end up rotting in your fridge. Lately we have been sharing our weekly grocery lists on our Instagram stories, but wanted to break down the process of how we actually create and organize them.
Check your Calendar - How many days are you eating at home this week? Any plans to go out of town? Get an idea of how many meals you will need to cook, so you don’t buy more than you need.
Recipe Brainstorm - Pinterest, Instagram, fav bloggers…Wherever you get your inspo, find a few recipes that you want to make for the week and check out the ingredients + serving sizes. Usually 3-4 recipes. Try and think about leftovers and quick recipes you could make with the same ingredients (i.e. Teriyaki bowls and Fajitas/Taco Salad can have almost the same ingredients just different sauces!). Write down each list of ingredients for the recipes in a note pad on your phone
Fridge & Pantry Check
Cross reference and delete the ingredients you already have that are on the list.
Check what foods you have left that you need to use before they expire - ei. have hummus left? add pita chips and carrots to the list.
Double check on the regular essentials like bread, eggs, olive oil, etc.
Organize your list. This is a little something extra that once you start doing you will never stop. It will save you endless time at the grocery store. Having things organized helps you only walk through the store once and not overlook anything on your list.
Produce
Dairy
Meats
Frozen
Bakery
Misc.
Toiletries/Household
This system seems long when written out, but after a few tries it truly becomes second nature. We usually like to grocery shop on Sundays if we can get in early in the morning before the crowds.
Let us know if you try this and your thoughts! We would love to see your grocery lists. Share them and tag us @sweatandtell, so we can see. Hope it helps!
Keep it Sweaty,
J&J
