Grocery store shopping is one of those chores that can cause more stress than it’s worth. Here’s how to transform the way you grocery shop and make your trip (gasp!) enjoyable.

Grocery shopping isn’t one of the most loved activities we are forced to do as humans. Although, I can’t argue that I don’t mind a few minutes alone pursuing the grocery store isles. That is unless I’m frantically walking around searching for something that will cook itself. 

If you struggle with grocery shopping, I want to show you a few simple shifts in your grocery store gameplan. Tips to get you in and out quickly and without wrecking your budget. 

Double bonus!

It starts with having a plan. Of course, But how many posts can you read about planning. I’m sure your mind is shutting down just reading those words. But don’t let it.

This time it’s different. Yes, a plan matters, but let’s break that plan down that plan into specific suggestions to make sure you never leave the grocery store with a massive bill and little food to prove it. 

The food you buy needs to matter – to have a purpose and be put to use. That’s why I created a system that makes sure I have delicious food on hand but not more than I can eat. It prevents me from buying thirteen kinds of cheese but nothing to eat with the cheese. 

If you’ve been there, you know what I am talking about—making this for you. 

Here is the framework:

Each week in addition to or at least if nothing else you purchase foods in these categories:

• 2 Proteins
• 2 Vegetables
• 1 Salad Mix
• 2 Fruits
• 1 Grain
• 1 Dozen Eggs
• 2 Condiments or Toppings
• 4 healthy Snack Options

When you combine this with meal planning for weeknight dinners, you’ll quickly learn this is the best of both worlds; batch cooking and meal making. 

Of course, there will be ingredients you’ll need to include outside of this list. But if nothing else, this list allows you to have plenty of food on hand all week to mix and match, creating healthy and delicious meals you’ll come back to.

Plus, it reminds you to eat seasonally. Well, maybe it doesn’t, but when you’re not overwhelmed by remembering everything you need, you can pay attention to what’s in season—choosing more of those foods. 

Here’s how I use this framework.

• 2 Proteins: Rotisserie Chicken + Ground Beef
• 2 Vegetables: Sweet Potatoes + Avocado
• 1 Salad Mix: Chopped brussels sprouts and kale salad mix
• 2 Fruits: Oranges + Pineapple
• 1 Grain: Rice
• Herbs: Fresh cilantro + sesame eggs
• 1 Dozen Eggs
• 2 Condiments: Salsa + Buffalo Sauce
• 4 Healthy Snack Options: Pistachios, Kids Cliff Bars, Olives, Plaintain Chips

Putting it all together.

A few ways I put these foods to use:

• Baked sweet potato stuffed with shredded chicken and topped with kale salad mix. 
• Taco Rice bowl with the ground beef, rice, fresh cilantro, avocados, and sweet potato fries. I added some black beans, salsa, and lettuce that I had added to my list.
• Taco hash with sweet potatoes, ground beef, kale mix topped with scrambled eggs.
• Kale salad mix with pistachios and shredded chicken with a side of plantain chips. 

This doesn’t include the ingredients I used in my weeknight meals. I was able to create the additional meals I needed for the week by combining these ingredients with leftovers. 

This system ensures you have enough of the right foods to layer healthy and satisfying meals all week long. 

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Of course, this is all made possible by my batch cooking system, which makes eating healthy simple.

Ensuring good food is always ready to eat, without being a slave to your kitchen. 

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