How I Buy Groceries: Three Rules

Couponing and going after sales are no-brainers, right? Here are my three main grocery shopping rules that may not be obvious.

Rule One: Shop around the perimeter of the store whenever possible.
I shop around the perimeter of the grocery store the majority of the time, venturing into the aisles only for necessary pantry items. If you follow this rule, you will buy fresher, healthier food automatically. Whether its produce, meat from the butcher, fish, dairy, or even baked goods, you'll find them around the fringe of the store, with the inner part is like the belly of the processed food beast. Although I do venture to the middle of the store for necessary condiments and canned goods such as artichoke hearts, olives, peanut butter, etc., it's a good mentality to be in while shopping, and I've found that I actually save a lot of money by not buying processed, packaged food.

Rule Two: Always take a list.
Taking the time to write up a detailed grocery list beforehand is the best way to avoid buying items you don't need, or won't use. If everything you buy is a part of a few recipes you know you will make, nothing will go to waste and you'll spend a lot less time deciding if you need some particular thing.  I like to shop once a week, sometimes every two weeks, and on Sundays I'll take the time to cook lunches and dinners for myself for that week. Tupperware and the freezer are my best friends.

Rule Three: Don't grocery shop hungry.
Shopping hungry is probably the worst thing for your grocery savvy because your eyes are a lot bigger than your stomach- and your budget. They'll try to get you with sale markdowns and coupons, and shopping on a full stomach is your best defense against this, along with your list.

Of course there are other things I try to keep in mind as well, like buy local when possible, buy in bulk, etc. but these top three are universal in my experience and have been the most helpful to me. I don't succeed all the time with all of these rules, but keeping them in mind will save time and money, and prevent food waste in the long run!

I am curious to know what your rules are for savvy grocery shopping! Let me know in the comments!

Indian Spinach with yogurt and spices

This recipe is actually adapted from a recipe for Spinach Paneer. I liked it so much with just the spinach and spices that I felt it could stand alone. It's healthy, flavorful, and great to freeze for a side dish in a pinch.

Ingredients:

11/2 tablespoons vegetable oil, coconut oil, or sesame oil

1 teaspoon turmeric

1/2 teaspoon cayenne

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium white or yellow onion, finely chopped

1 teaspoon ginger, peeled and minced.

1 large green serrano, pablano, or other mildly hot chile, finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon garam masala or curry

2 teaspoons ground coriander

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 package fresh spinach or 1 16 oz. package frozen spinach

salt

1/2 cup plain yogurt, stirred


Whisk together turmeric, cayenne, 1 teaspoon salt and 3 tablespoons oil, set aside.

Chop spinach finely, set aside.

Heat a large sautee pan over medium heat until warm, add oil, turmeric, and cayenne mixture.
Add onion, ginger, garlic, and chile. Saute until the onions are translucent and the mixture is softened, about 10 minutes.

Add garam masala, coriander, and cumin. Stir until aromatic, about 5 minutes. Add spinach and stir well, adding a pinch of salt. Take off heat and add the yogurt, stirring so it doesn't curdle.