My list is going to look almost nothing like what you would expect. It is short enough to fit on a sticky note and vague enough for buying what looks good.
There are three main categories on my list: needs, refills and the fun stuff. With keeping Maureen the Grocery Queen’s non-negotiables in mind, I take a look at my fridge on what needs restocking, grab a sticky note and create my list. Here’s an example of what my list looks like:
Weekly Grocery List
| Needs: | ||
| 2 Proteins 3 Fruits 4 Veggies | ||
| Refills: | ||
| Eggs Hummus Tortillas | ||
| Fun Stuff: | ||
| Chocolate covered something Cheese Wine |
My “Needs” will end up being the anchors of my meals for the week. I keep this part vague because I want to shop what is in season and keep creativity open. The perk of shopping in season is that those fruits and veggies are usually on sale. Not only am I saving money but I get to eat food that is at its peak of freshness. Here are a few examples of what that portion of the list ends up being when I check out:
| Spring | Summer |
| 2 Proteins: Shrimp, Tofu 3 Fruits: Berries, Bananas, Apples 4 Veggies: Asparagus, Green Beans, Broccoli, Peas | 2 Proteins: Chicken Breasts, Flank Steak 3 Fruits: Stone Fruit, Strawberries, Berries 4 Veggies: Tomato, Avocado, Cucumber, Zucchini |
| Fall | Winter |
| 2 Proteins: Salmon Filets, Pork Tenderloin 3 Fruits: Apples, Clementine, Cranberries 4 Veggies: Brussel Sprouts, Squash, Corn, | 2 Proteins: Sausage, Roasts 3 Fruits: Citrus, Grapes, Pineapples 4 Veggies: Potatoes, Carrots, Cauliflower, Onions |
“Refills” are my pantry and fridge staples. Items like bread, milk, eggs, salsa, rice, coffee and pasta are all must-haves for me. In order to really get creative with the “Needs” part of my list, I have to have the basics on hand. To check out what I keep in my pantry and have as my fridge staples, check out this page here!
The “fun stuff” is not necessary… but it does give me a certain amount of joy to shop the newest wine and weirdest cheeses. Plus – if you don’t allow yourself a little bit of fun on every shopping trip, then it becomes just another soul-draining chore.
I hope sharing my list gives you an idea of how to make your weekly grocery shopping go from a mundane chore to a fun challenge that ends with saving money for an extra bottle (or box) of wine. Follow, subscribe and share for more Cooking for One and Grocery Game content.
-Fiercely Freckled