How to Shop Smart at the Store


Carolyn Guilford, CNC
Carolyn Guilford, CNC

The key to success in any area of life is planning. And so it is in shopping smart, we also need to have a plan, before we go off to the supermarket.

First, take the time to write down what you need and want from the store. Take an inventory of what’s missing, and give some thought to meal planning.

Preview the newspaper circulars and look through your coupons, and note what you need. Separate food items from health and beauty items, and paper products. Many times these items are better bargains at national chains and superstores. But, know before you go. When you get to the store stick to your list. Second, do not go into the store hungry! Marketing has become a science, and the smell of freshly baked bread, foods to sample as you shop, and foods ready to eat, can send you down the aisles grabbing everything you have ever liked and others that you’ve wanted to try, thus blowing your budget, diet and personal health program.

Coupons can save you lots of money in the store, make sure the item you have a coupon for is right for you and your lifestyle. Make sure it is something on your list, that you will use, and that you need. Otherwise it is not a bargain at any price. Give the coupon to someone else, it it’s not for you. Also, as with anything else, read the package ingredients. No preservatives, excessive sodium, artificial sweeteners or chemicals. If you use this as your guideline, you may not have many coupons to take with you to the store. But, do check. You can save on things you need, and look for double coupon days.

Look at store brands, many times there is no difference (or little difference) between store brands and national brands. When this is true, you again can save. Ingredients are listed in order of quantity used when making the product. The ingredients used the most are listed first.

If you are looking at Salsa, you want to see real food, veggies and condiments that you easily recognize and no chemical additives and preservatives you don’t know. Be sure to check “expiration” and “use by” dates to get the freshest products.

Set limits on impulse buying. Focus on your list, have enough time to do proper comparisons on price, content and quality. Before going to the store, think about how much you intend to spend, and don’t go over your intended limit. If at all possible, shop alone. Kids, especially, want items advertised on TV, and it can be hard to say no.

One of the tactics I’ve used lately, when I need to stop in and get just one or two things, is to walk to the store. I really don’t want to be walking back with bags of grocery, so I get the one thing I went for, as well as the much needed exercise, at the same time.

Watch the check out scanner. Keeping an eye on the scanner will allow you to note any incorrect pricing. Sometimes the sale price has not been put into the system. You want to note this before you get home. When we purchase more fresh foods, and cook at home, from scratch, we save lots and lots of money. The bulk of the grocery dollar should be spent in the produce area, for your healths’ sake. Nutrition Counseling Saves Lives…. And Can Save Yours. Too.
Carolyn Guilford,

(912) 236-8987

www.Healthrestoration101.com

Health Restoration 101 P.

O. Box 2814, Savannah,

GA 31402



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