How to Grocery Shop for One

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By pmezop
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Stock up for a happy, healthy you

How does one grocery shop for one? It was hard enough getting used to grocery shopping for two after my daughter got married. My husband passed away and now I have to grocery shop for one. This was especially hard for me since my husband used to do all of the grocery shopping for us. He was a seasoned grocery shopper; he planned the meals for the week ahead of time, he bought only the things on his grocery list, he had grocery shopping discipline. I on the other hand am undisciplined and an impulsive buyer! But, after a lot of trial and error I think that I have this grocery shopping for one down to a science! “Well, you’re not that good, now are you?” I ask myself out loud. “No, but I’m learning,” I mutter to myself.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

The first step is to realize that you are only one person and that you can only eat so much. What you used to buy for two people will be enough for two meals for you. So, you really don’t need to buy that much. (Easier said then done!)
Step 2

The next step is to try to plan ahead. Jot down what you want for meals ahead of time and don’t shop when you are hungry. (That rule applies to everyone. Although, sometimes if you aren’t the least bit hungry you will come home with hardly anything to eat! It is kind of a catch 22!)
Step 3

Always stop at the Deli. At least at the Deli you can buy smaller portions of prepared foods. Frozen foods offer a variety of single portioned entres too. However, you should watch the fat, sodium, and sugar content of prepared meals. Some of them are outrageous!
Step 4

Don’t fall into the freezer trap! You are probably wondering what the freezer trap is. Well, I fall into that trap quite often. I buy the larger size of what ever it is and freeze part of it. The thinking is that I will eat it next week or the following week. Funny how that never happens. The same goes for leftovers. Don’t freeze them – you’ll never use them. At least I never seem to. They sit in the freezer taking up precious space only to be thrown away when I run out of room for new items!
Step 5

Making a pot of chili or stew is a good idea. However, eating it everyday for three or four days gets a little old after awhile. And, then you will fall into the freezer trap. It becomes a contest between the two evils of grocery shopping for one, do I freeze it or do I throw it away? Hmmm, maybe if I were smart I would just cut the recipe in half and then I wouldn’t have such a dilemma. “See, you’re getting the hang of this,” I say to myself.
Step 6

Get used to the idea that you will have to throw some things out. I know you can hear your parents saying, “The people in Europe are starving,” or something like that. But, the reality is that the grocery store simply doesn’t carry small enough packages for one and there are times when you will have to throw things away.
Step 7

If you can treat yourself to eating out at least once during the week with friends or family. It gives you something to look forward to and you have the opportunity of eating something that you would not take the time to prepare for yourself.

Comments

1trout said

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on 11/16/2008 Post a sticky list on your refrigerator of items you need from the store. Check to see you do not already have that item in the back of your pantry. Think about what meals you might want to make in the next few days. Check the recipe to see what items it calls for. With the list, you will not forget items you need. also shop after you have eaten. You'll more likely avoid those tempting bags of cookies and chips. It is OK to treat yourself once in a while but not on every visit.