Meal Planning 101: The Master Grocery List
this one "hack" changes everything
The master grocery list became an integral part of my routine when I wanted to cut our grocery budget and quit forgetting items at the store. By creating a master grocery list, I have something I can look at each week when I am making our list. It saves money in two fold: I'm planning recipes around what we usually buy and it cuts down on those midweek grocery trips that seem to blow the grocery budget because we forgot something. (Extra items always sneak their way into the cart!)
The first step to creating a master grocery list is to clean out your pantry, fridge and freezer. I know that no one wants to hear that. However, it’s really important that you see what you actually use and buy! Think about all those random items you bought for some Pinterest recipe that you never used up. We are trying to prevent that from happening.
I want you to set a timer for 30 minutes and tackle your fridge. Do JUST the fridge and then move on with your day. Do this again for your pantry on another day and then your freezer on another day. I feel like if you try to tackle it all at once, you’ll get overwhelmed with “mid project regret syndrome” and want to throw in the towel when you have a huge mess on your hands. I want to set you up for success!
After you’ve cleaned everything out, take an honest look at what you buy every week or almost every week. What are the staples that you always want to have on hand? I have a lot of example categories to get your brain going. Don’t worry about doing it perfectly. You are creating a springboard that you can build on.
Some bonus tips:
Create an online version of your list wherever you shop. You’ll be able to order your groceries in 5 minutes with your list saved! No more racking your brain while you place an online grocery order.
Pick a pickup time when you know you’ll already be in the car. School drop off and pick ups are great times because everyone is already buckled up.
Use an app that both you and your family can use together. My husband and I use the AnyList app and have lists for each store we shop at. It makes it easy for both of us to add to this grocery list as we run out of items during the week. I also like that it will sort grocery items by category making you more efficient in the store.
