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Tips to Simplify Grocery Shopping

Grocery shoppingt can be overwhelming if you have no idea what you need. Over the last four years as I've implemented a weekly meal plan into our family weekend routine, I also added some weekly chores.
In order to determine what is needed, take time to throw out old food from the pantry and refrigerator each week. Make a note of foods that are expired and need to be replaced. Make a list and know exactly what you need so that grocery shopping is faster and easier. Plus with a list, you will spend less because you are only buying items you need and not just what looks good.
Matt and I use an app called Anylist for our grocery list.  It stores items as you add and can be shared with others.  You can view all the items, scroll through and click what you need and then hide what you don’t need. I paid the extra fee to use the recipe feature, which makes copying, and pasting recipes online easy.  Simply copy and paste all ingredients and then the instructions and it sorts them out into lines.  No typing needed.  And if you need an ingredient, just click and it’s added to your grocery list.
If you shop at multiple places like Kroger and Sam's you can create a list for each store. We purchase most of the fruits and veggies Sam's but there are a few I get at Kroger. Take notes of prices as you shop over the next few weeks and even keep a journal of what you purchase and how much items cost.
Compare a few stores to see who has the best price on the items you purchase most. We have found better value for purchasing our meat at Sam's Club as well. Although it comes in a large quantity, we can freeze ground beef, chicken, fish and pork chops until they are on the meal plan.
It does take extra time to clean out old foods, talk about what you are going to eat throughout the week and shop at more than one location. However it's totally worth it to get the best quality foods at the best price and to stay true to your meal plan!
Want more tips about grocery shopping and creating a list and meal plan? Message me on Facebook or email me for more info and/or to join my online meal planning groups for ongoing suggestions, tips and support!!

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