Simplicity vs. the Grocery Store!

After a fabulous week at the beach we arrived home to bare cupboards and an empty fridge. After eating cereal for two days, (don't you judge me) it was time to go to the grocery store. Does anyone else find the grocery store to be completely overwhelming? Oooooh, I shiver and cringe. If so, here is a piece of advice that I read in two different magazine articles on cleaner eating and budgeting: Stick to the outside of the grocery store. And that's it. You're only allowed to shop the square. In most stores this will take you through produce, the bakery, meats, dairy, and the freezer section. If you must venture into the aisles, you have a specific item in mind. No dilly dallying! You're on a mission. The goal is to stay out of the center oaf the store as much as possible. This is where the cookies and pop tarts live, right next door to the rice and pasta. Oh yeah. This is a task that I can handle, even without a list. It keeps me focused and I come home with WAY less junk food. It is faster and, believe it or not, cheaper. I will admit that this method cuts out a lot of pre-made food items, which means that there may be more work preparing meals. However, most pre-made meals are enough for only one meal for a family of four. There are rarely leftovers. Home cooked meals just seem to go farther at our house. Plus, I can make enough to freeze for another time if I want to. On top of that, they are just better for you. I hope that this will help you next time you go grocery shopping. If you have any helpful tips to add, please feel free to share them in the comments section. :) Sarah B.