Shopping tips

Russians really know how to display their pasta.

When I was younger I thought going to the grocery store was a form of legalized torture.  Now, I kind of enjoy it.  Makes me feel like a grown-up.

Here are a few tips to make your trip to the grocery store less of a trip of soul-sucking pain.

1. Don't be a one stop shopper.
Stores count on us to be lazy.  It's easy to shop in one big store for all your needs, but it isn't always best for your wallet or the quality of your food. There are stores that pride themselves on being one-stop shopping experiences.  What incentive do they have to make sure your produce is fresh?  Why should they bother to check the sell by date on your meat?  If they know you're going to keep shopping there out of convenience they don't need to do better.  Why should they charge a competitive price on those items? They're going to get your money any way.
I know sometimes you're pressed for time and a tomato feels like, well, a tomato.  And, yeah, sometimes you just need the item.  All I'm saying is try not to make a habit of it.  Why pay more for much less? 
You have options:  Farmer's markets, grocery stands, other neighborhoods.  Look around. On top of getting a better price for better quality food you also get to have a little adventure by leaving your familiar surroundings.

2. Make a plan.
This should go without saying, but imma say it.  Don't go to the store hungry.  It never it ends well.  It usually ends with a bunch of ice cream sandwiches in your cart that you eventually eat over the sink...that's what I heard.
When you make a list you're looking at what you need to have in your house for more than one meal.  It helps you to be mindful about what you're putting in your cart and, by extension, your body.  Do you really need a bag of Cheez Doodles or did they just seem like a good idea when you passed them on shelf?  What meal are the Cheez Doodles rounding out?  Seriously, dude, they couldn't even be bothered to spell out "cheese" properly! It was just one more letter!

It seemed like you could use a picture of a puppy.

3. Have staples.
In most kitchens there should at least be salt and pepper.  That is the bare minimum.  What do you like to cook?  And, if you're new to cooking, what do you like to eat (Don't say Cheez Doodles.  Let it go.) because you can learn to cook that.  What are the ingredients do you need to cook your favorite foods? Are there any ingredients that are used in more than one dish?  Start with those as your staples.
Staples can include: pasta, rice, eggs, bread, milk, and oil.
I like to bake.  I always have butter, sugar, and flour on hand.  Also cream cheese.  Because cream cheese is made of goodness and light. I also like spicy, flavorful foods so I keep garlic, ginger, a variety of peppers and pepper sauces on hand. Having staples means you have the basics on hand to make just about anything you want. You may have to buy a vegetable or meat to go with it, but you have food on hand. 
From the above list I could boil pasta, toss it with garlic, sprinkle with pepper, and add vegetables or meat to it if I would like.  Dinner in less than 30 minutes.
Decide what works for you.

4. The internet is your friend.
Feeling a little bored with your food?  Not sure what to make?  Call the internet!  Well, not call...you know what I mean.
There are a lot of recipe websites out there.  They can help you make substitutions to your recipes, help you make vegan brownies, and explain to you what Buddha's hands are. There are recipes for just about anything you want to try.  I found recipes for Girl Scout cookies just the other day (you know I will be posting about those...).  Why this blog can be found right here on the internet!

5. Don't be afraid to experiment.
Now, if you're rolling pennies together to make a meal experimenting with food may be the last thing on your mind. But, trying new things doesn't have to be expensive.  Sometimes it turns out to be the more cost-effective choice.  Maybe instead of Red Delicious apples you try a Jazz or Fiji apple.  Instead of buying chocolate chip cookies you make chocolate chip cookies (with the added bonus of your home smelling like chocolate chip cookies, and probably paying less for them).  Maybe try adding more herbs to your food, making salt less of a necessity.  There is a great big food world out there, why get stuck eating the same thing day after day?  What do you have to lose by trying out a new recipe?  If it doesn't work for your palate, you know not to try it again.  But, if it does work...
The food world is your oyster!  Be creative! Be excited! And, step away from the Cheez Doodles.