Starting at the store

I love shopping as much as the next girl (if not more) but today's post is about grocery shopping which is not quite as enjoyable as clothes or shoes or home decor... I digress.

 

If I'm being honest, lately I'm thrilled  when I am actually home long enough that a trip to the grocery store seems logical but I have several tips for those who are home often and those who travel regularly.

1. Make a shopping list.  Making a shopping list BEFORE you go to the grocery store is the first step to a successful grocery shopping experience.  My shopping list is almost always exactly the same; I could pretty much just type, save, and re-print weekly.
2. Eat before you shop.  We all know the temptations that come with a hungry trip to the grocery store.  Eating before you go always limits your cravings and impulse purchases.
3. Don't buy crap that isn't on your list.  Your shopping list was pre-meditated and well thoughout so don't listen to your temptations.
4. Shop weekly.  I almost always go to the grocery store at about 9 PM on Monday night.  Mostly because this seems to be the least hectic time at my local Wal-Mart but also because shopping weekly allows me to keep fresh fruits and vegetables on hand at all times.

If you travel as much as I do, first of all, I'm sorry; second, here are some extra tips for you:

1. Pack snacks. I always throw some granola bars or protein bars in my bag to make sure I don't grab a cheeseburger at the airport.
2. Smoothies.  For real, grab a smoothie instead of a cheeseburger.  A smoothie and a granola bar or even a banana should fill you up on your layover.
3. Start with a salad.  At business dinners, starting with a salad will help satisfy your hunger before you over indulge in that filet.  You should also order the smallest filet on the menu.
4. Always leave food on your plate.  My co-workers think I'm weird because I always leave food on my plate.  If you clean your plate, chances are that you over indulged.  If it makes sense, cut your food in half before you even start eating.
5. Buy longer shelf life items.  Buy products that don't spoil as quickly.  Frozen vegetables will last longer than fresh if you have to be gone for part of the week.  Almond milk is not only healthy but it also lasts longer!

This post more than likely has you thinking, "duh, Corinne, I already know that" but ask yourself how many of these things you actually do..... I bet it's not too many. Try them out and I bet you'll be surprised how much these "duh" tips will help you out. 

Leave a comment with your grocery shopping tips and maybe I'll share my grocery shopping list later this week.. stay tuned!

Today's workout: Insanity's Max Interval Plyo