I spend a lot of timing grocery shopping. I mean, a LOT. If I had to take a guess, I’m sure it would add up to several hours each week! Between recipe development, client grocery shopping trips, my own food shopping for J and me, and those times when I just go for the sheer fact that I find it so relaxing – anyone else agree? Sometimes I make up an excuse to make a quick trip just because I enjoy it so much!
Since I spend so much time at grocery stores, I’m very particular about where I like to shop. My top favorites are Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and as of more recent, Fresh Thyme Farmers Market. Fresh Thyme is a Midwest-based grocery store that is on a mission to improve the way people eat by offering fresh and healthy food at amazing values. Not to mention, their stores are beautiful and vibrant! The moment you step into the store, you will notice that they don’t follow traditional grocery store design. In fact, their stores are so simple and easy to navigate that they don’t have any aisle numbers.
My favorite part of their store is their produce section. Fresh Thyme has the largest product section out of any grocery store! This is every plant-based eater’s dream come true. Their goal is to make the produce section the center of the store, sourcing fruits and vegetables fresh from the farm and often locally grown, and organic.
Grocery shopping can be slightly overwhelming and unenjoyable if you don’t know how to shop strategically. I like to plan out my meals for the week to help guide my shopping trips. However, I tend to stick to the produce section for 90% of my shopping since I follow a plant-based diet.
Here are some grocery shopping tips to help your next shopping trip to be a breeze:
Don’t go shopping hungry
I always try to shop first thing after breakfast or lunch for this simple rule alone – you are more likely to toss items into your cart that you don’t normally buy. Hangry is a thing, people! On top of that, you will most definitely end up buying more food in general, simply because you’re hungry. So, if you’re trying to stick to a grocery budget as well, don’t step foot into a grocery store when you’re ravenous!
Make a list
Trust me, this makes all the difference. I can get in and out of a grocery store in 15 minutes if I make a list ahead of time. It keeps me focused and ensures I won’t forget anything either. It’s the best way to take the stress out of grocery shopping.
Stock up
When you spot any good deals on staple items, stock up. This is especially great for shelf stable times, such as quinoa, nuts, lentils, etc. that won’t expire anytime soon!
Bring your own bags
When you’re done unpacking your groceries, toss your reusable bags into the trunk of your car to be prepared for your next shopping trip. That way you can cut back on the amount of plastic bags that you can quickly accumulate.
