Reader Hack: Make Your Grocery List Do All the Work

Here’s one of my simple solutions that has paid off in happiness and convenience.

Several years ago, I created a grocery list on my computer of all the things I normally buy. The items are grouped by category and arranged in the same order as the aisles in my grocery store.

I keep several copies of the list in a binder, along with my recipes, list of favorite meals, a highlighter and a pen.

Once a week, I sit down with my binder and plan my meals for the following week. I highlight the items I need and write down any “special” items that aren’t listed.

On the back of my grocery list, I also list the planned meals (so I can remember what I am going to make). When I go to the grocery store I can quickly find what I need and cross the items off as I get them.

This has cut down the amount of time I spend planning meals and the amount of time I spend at the grocery store.

Submitted by Kay Gallegos

Posted August 14, 2007, filed in Reader Hacks