How to Shop For Groceries in a More Organized Manner

I hate grocery shopping. You go to the store, spend a huge wad of cash and get home to hear your husband say "what's there to eat?" and you actually can't find anything to offer! Not only that but you have to wonder what your going to make for supper. I found a great way to prevent all that and save you time and MONEY!

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Cookbook
• Paper and Pen

1. Devise a menu for the week (or month, depending on how often you wish to do the grocery shopping). Include breakfasts, lunches, suppers and snacks for after school, lunch boxes and those times you just want a snack in front of the tv or something. Try to choose healthy!
2. Once you have your menu planned, make a list of ingredients you need for each item.
3. Add all like items together on one sheet of paper.
   If you have tacos and chili on your menu, you will obviously need hamburger for both so add those amounts together, etc.
4. Now go to your pantry, cupboards, refrigerator and freezers and cross out those items that you already have. What is left is your grocery list!
5. Now get a metro newspaper and get to clipping some coupons. Stay on track!
6. Go to the store and buy only what is on your list.

Tips & Warnings

• If your going to have a certain type of meal more than once during the week/month, make the whole thing on one day (if possible) and freeze the amount needed for meal #2. Example: tacos... I will make all my seasoned beef on the first night I'm having it and then freeze the remainder for the next meal which will now take only half the time to prepare!
• Eat a good meal before you leave to go shopping. This will help tremendously in keeping to your list.