Going to the grocery store as a kid was very memorable for me. I always tried putting whatever I desired into the shopping cart and hoping my mom didn’t notice. There was a couple of times I was successful, and well, a couple times I was not.
But once you start paying for your own groceries, it becomes a whole different thing. Once I realized how much everything cost, I was picker with what I bought. Then becoming a parent, that grocery list became something different.
As a parent, I want to buy healthy meals that actually taste good and will be eaten by my kids. I also want to stay on my set budget. Thankfully, there are so many grocery hacks these days out there. Check out these 7 grocery shopping hacks every mom needs to use!
1. Use the Sunday Paper
The Sunday paper is the perfect place to find the latest deals for coupons. Clip those coupons when your sipping your morning coffee or listening to music or your latest favorite podcast. You can even download apps or find coupons online that will help you find the latest deals happening.
2. Always Keep Frozen Veggies and Meat on Hand
When you have a busy schedule but want to have healthy meals for your family, buy frozen veggies and meat. Keeping a stockpile of these food items will ensure you always have them on hand for days where they are extra busy. They are great for a quick heat up and help you save money and time.
Romaine lettuce is perfect for salad since it last longer. Buying ground beef and freezing it is perfect for a quick meal like taco night. You can even have crock pot frozen meals ready when you need it most.
3. Planning Ahead
Make a list and come up with meals you can prepare for the family a week ahead. Putting a list together will help you decide everything you need for those meals. Just stick to the list when you get to the grocery store can save you money as well.
4. You’ll Need These Pantry Essentials
As parents, we sometimes will need a quick and easy meal that will make our kids smile. Keeping canned goods, such as lentils or low-sodium soups ad organic max and cheese are easy lifesaver options to feed our kids. Even keeping a stockpile of pasta in the pantry can quickly put a smile on for your kids who love a good plate of pasta.
5. Sales Doesn’t Always Mean Savings
It’s easy to be drawn to sales that are happening in the grocery store, but sometimes those buy one, get one half off isn’t always guaranteed. Both of those packages wont always be eaten before they expire. Only buy those items on sale if they are a staple in your household.
6. Be Picky with Organic Goods
Choosing organic food is a great option for providing the most nutritious foods for our family. It’s a great option to help eliminate any pesticides and other chemicals added to food. There are some foods that are not necessary when buying organic, such as bananas, onions, avocados, pineapples, asparagus, and sweet peas. These fruits and vegetables are naturally protected by a thick skin we don’t eat and aren’t exposed to chemicals easily. Save money by purchasing organic looks like diary, meats and berries.
7. Include the Kids
Involve the kids with grocery shopping can really interest them in their own wellness and being healthy. Let the kids choose meals throughout the week. You can give them a few healthy options and let them choose one of them for a meal you eat together that week. If the kids are old enough, you can bring them to the grocery store and let them help you shop for the items on your grocery list.