Grocery List: Shop Quickly and Don’t Forget Anything
Shopping tips
That being said, without a solid list of what you need, the majority of people end up not shopping efficiently. Does this sound like you? Do you think you could benefit from a lesson on how to put together an organized grocery list? Then keep reading! This article will walk you through how to make your list, what types of things to include, and even offer a great resource with a free grocery list template to help get you started! Say goodbye to your days of inefficiently shopping to feed yourself, your family, and your friends.
How to Make a Grocery List?
Everyone is different, and so when it comes to this question, there is no one size fits all answer. The truth of the matter is that your list-making process will vary depending on a multitude of factors. Below are some questions you should consider when putting together your grocery shopping list.
- Does anyone you are shopping for have dietary restrictions? - If so, it may be helpful to make a note of this at the top of your list so you do not accidentally include anything that you cannot buy.
- How often do you plan on shopping? - The grocery checklist of a person who can shop once a week should vary from that of a person who can only make it to the store every two weeks. If you can’t make it to the store as often, consider buying more frozen items, as well as more goods that store well.
- How many people are you feeding? - This one is self-explanatory. You need to make sure you buy enough for everyone!
- What is your budget? - It is reasonable to spend $30-50/week on food for every person in your household. Of course, this range can vary depending on your income.
Once you have the answers to these basic questions, you will be able to begin putting together basic grocery list for 2 or however many people you are feeding. Although your first list may take a lot of time to organize, it will be worth it. After you have a decent list, you can just keep reusing it. Most people eat generally the same things from week to week. Just remember to check stores’ sales flyers for big sales that you don’t want to miss out on. Depending on sale items, you may want to occasionally make minor tweaks to your easy grocery list.
What Is a Basic Grocery List?
As briefly mentioned above, everyone’s list is going to look a little bit different. That being said, there is a common grocery list format you can follow. It will make sure that you are hitting all of your different food groups and nutritional needs, which we will touch on in a moment. Here are the sample grocery list categories that you should include if you are making a list from scratch.
- Fruits and Vegetables
- Sauces and Oils
- Meat and Fish
- Dairy
- Bread
- Dry and Canned Goods
- Baking
- Household Items
- Toiletries
Note that the order of your list can be fluid depending on the layout of the store that you shop at. For example, if fruits and veggies are the first things you see when you walk into your store, then it makes sense to have them at the top of your list. However, if you walk directly into the meat and fish aisle, then put that section first. Organizing your list using the layout of your preferred store will help prevent you from forgetting anything and reduce the time you spend shopping.
When you have categories on your guide such as vegetables, you will be encouraged to buy healthy foods. If you are someone who has trouble eating healthy, you will definitely benefit from making a list. If you are not used to shopping for a well-balanced diet though, you may not know where to begin. Let’s review some grocery list ideas for eating well.
What Should Be on a Healthy Grocery List?
A healthy shopping guide should include food from all of the primary food groups. By eating from each food group every day, you will help your body get all of the diverse nutrients that it needs. Below are the main food groups you should consider. If you’d like, you can even break your list up into these categories.
- Protein (Animal or Plant-based)
- Fruit
- Starch
- Dairy
- Vegetables
- Fats (I.e. healthy oils and nut butter)
By roughly following this guide when shopping, you will naturally increase your nutrient update on a daily basis. If you have dietary restrictions that prevent you from being able to shop from any of these categories, no problem! Restrictions such as allergies and lactose-intolerance are common. Simply identify food substitutes that can provide the same benefits without causing you any harm or discomfort.
An essential grocery list is one that will help you care for your body and its needs. If you are making a basic grocery list for a family of 4, for example, then you are not only looking out for your own health but also the health of others. It is common knowledge that if you have healthy options readily available, you will be more likely to choose them. Making a list with these options on a regular basis will help you keep your home stocked with delicious and beneficial choices. By eating healthy, you are helping your body function at peak performance. You will feel better, and you will owe it to your typical grocery list!
Grocery List Templates by Rabato
Want a blank grocery list template to help you get started? Luckily for you, Rabato has two fantastic ones that will guide you through healthy and efficient shopping. These templates can be easily printed out and filled in with a writing utensil at home. Or, if you’d prefer, you can use digital software to fill them in directly on your computer or mobile device. These example grocery lists will reduce your spending and help you develop a healthier lifestyle.
These lists are easy to access and will download bug-free. Try printing out a bunch at a time and putting them in a folder somewhere marked “my grocery list.” Then, you will be more likely to make lists since you will have several templates already available. You can keep this folder in places such as your office or home. It depends where you usually are before you go grocery shopping. You can even keep it in your car and make lists right before you walk into the store. There’s no right answer. It is simply whatever works best for you!
Conclusion
Everyone’s list-making process is going to be different, and so will their lists! What is not going to change however, is the rewards you will reap from practicing this good hobby. Download your free Rabato lists today and start saving time and money!
