It’s been over 2 years now that I have lived on my own, however, I still can’t quite figure out how to go grocery shopping correctly. A couple weeks ago I went to Trader Joes and bought a bag of lettuce, which looked like and felt like an amazing purchase at the time. However, during that same Trader Joes outing, I purchased various amounts of other types of produce as well. I was thinking this was going to be great, I would have so many options to choose from when cooking a meal. Little did I know, or realize, that produce doesn’t last long, and when shopping for one person it can get a little tricky. Here are some tips on grocery shopping I’ve come to learn within recent weeks:

1.Make a list. In order to know what to get, you have to know what you want to make within that week or a period of time. Its good to make a list on the food items that were used up and need restocking and the items that would help enhance the kitchen area. Without a list, I’ve realized, you may just find yourself roaming throughout the market to try and decide what you might make and what you may not. Its obviously hard to know what to get exactly when you’ve just begun this process of adulthood, however a list is a good start.

2. Plan your meals. I know this may be a repetitive statement, however it’s a real one. Buying various amounts of produce and random groceries hoping they will all fit together some how, is not the smartest idea. After doing this technique for a couple years, you start to realize that food goes bad quickly, and you will end up spending money on food you never open. So, in order to avoid this mess, planning your weekly meals can help.

3. Balance your shopping. It’s also important to balance what you buy. If you buy only produce you will most likely find yourself loosing money to rotten food. However, if you buy food that is balance, you will have an easier time in the kitchen later. This means that instead of buying all dry food, or all produce and refrigerated food, will help to keep things regulated. And, on top of that, you will have more options of food for each meal as well.

These are a few of the things I have failed to understand until now. I hope this was helpful, and next time when going grocery shopping, take this article with you so you won’t forget what to do! :)