Some people swear by a daily trip to the grocery store, but I prefer to go once a week -- usually on weekends, unfortunately, because that's when I have time to do it.
I've gotten into the habit of using a grocery list. Putting meals together does require a bit of extra time and effort (sitting down with the husband and some cookbooks, writing down snacks and meal ingredients on the list, figuring out what we'll have when), but it's ultimately well worth it when it comes to both time and money.
Having a list means I tend not to impulse buy, or to load up on easy-fix meals. Although I'm happy to satisfy my hunger with what's available, it's much easier when something delicious to eat is a few steps away.
And it helps you balance out your ingredients. After grocery shopping today, I made some muffins (which required the zest of two lemons) and some soup (which required some lemon juice).
I belonged to the Flylady.net mailing list for a while; I'd recommend it for those who don't feel organized enough to put together a grocery list. The list got a tad too overtly religious for me -- and I felt I'd gleaned the basics and could work it on my own -- but it's a great jumping-off point for people who don't know where to start.
Grocery lists and menu planning has a ripple effect throughout your life. When you have the ingredients in your house, you'll cook more. Homemade meals tend to be healthier for you than eating out. And plant-based eaters don't have to think twice about what's in the plate in front of you -- because you made it!
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