SEASONAL BITE

Getting in and out of a grocery store, even with a toddler, is something only a savvy shopping list can help you do. In my Personal Chef days, I brought a clip board with the recipes below and on top a categorized list of all the ingredients that were needed including a list of pantry ingredients that were waiting for me at home. I created this several days a week for my clients and while it may have seemed involved, I could easily get in and out of a store in under 30-minutes with a huge cart full of delights.

When I created Lilly’s Table meal planning service, the idea of having a shopping list categorized and ready to go was essential. Getting in and out of a store quickly is half the battle of getting a health-packed delicious dinner on the table. However, there are a few other methods beyond a categorized list that will guarantee a successful, speedy shopping trip.

Once your shopping list is created, get ready to head to the store. Here are a few tips to get you in and out of the store quickly.

1. Shop after you eat, not while hungry This may seem obvious, but even I forget sometimes and find myself grabbing a snack bag of something just to get through the aisles without deviating too far from my list. Nothing is worse than hunger making decisions for me. I am certain I save money every time I shop when my belly is not growling and yelling at me to buy every other tasty treat on the shelves.

2. Stay hydrated Sometimes thirst masks itself as hunger and leaves you in the same scenario as above. Since I live in a dry climate a water bottle is often close at hand. Plan to bring one with you next time and see if it helps.

3. Stick to the list I occasionally allow myself a sale item or other deviation, but allowing the list to guide me keeps me within budget, within time constraints, and it keeps my daughter happy too since we rarely sit in one place for very long.

4. Shop the perimeter of the store The center aisles contain mostly non-food and processed convenience foods. Since I am usually shopping for ingredients, I can easily get around the store without going through the center. This is especially useful if shopping with children. It seems most stores place bright, colorful tempting items at my child’s eye level. Not even going in these aisles will speed you through the store nicely.

5. Read the labels. Once you have a brand or generic label you trust, going back for the same bread, eggs or box of crackers is easy. Taking a quick glance at the ingredient list is mostly what I do to determine if it is a food product or an ingredient worth trying when going after new items. It is amazing how something as simple as coconut milk can contain unnecessary ingredients from time to time. So any time you are trying something new, read the label first.

6. Buy in Season Fresh produce will taste better and be in abundance when in season. Buying an apple in the fall when it is at its peak is always a better idea than buying in May or June when even stored apples are on their way out. The quality is also better and I notice that my family eat more fruit or vegetables when they taste at their best. If possible, sign up for a CSA (community supported agriculture), go to your Farmers Market and of course signing up for Lilly’s Table will help you shop in season, too.

Cook seasonally. Eat consciously. Live well,

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