Tips and tricks for grocery shopping plzz

I spent 4 hours at Walmart without even realizing it…. Just regular grocery shopping….over analyzing every little thing… changing my mind a 100 times…. I try to make a conscious effort not to do that again lol

I do a lot of grocery pickup if the order is really large. If not I write my list by category. Start with the non perishables and move to those last. I utilize the scan and go app for my store so I can check balance, bag as I go and spend less time In the checkout

I refuse to go grocery shopping, unless I am with my partner. If he is not able to go with me, I do drive up pick up option or delivery only. I will not go grocery shopping alone in person; it’s so overstimulating and overwhelming. 

I share a family shopping list via Google with the other adults in the house. That way one person does the shopping, and things get added to one list as people recognize what needs purchased. I find something is out or low and I add it to the list right then so it is not forgotten. I work with others in the house to plan a week worth of meals. Add items to the list, that are not already in the house. Then once a week the shopping is done. I agree with going at night or when there are less people in the stores as it is less overwhelming.

I find that doing order delivery or pickup works well for me. I can add items to my shopping cart between orders as I think of them, no store anxiety, can schedule when convenient, and much fewer impulse buys.

I place my order through there app so I can take my time put items in and out of my cart and watch how much I spend then I don’t get trapped in to buying things I don’t need… most of the time

I always use the pick up service where you use the app and then you go pick it up (food city Walmart winn Dixie etc)that’s such a lifesaver. That way you don’t have to deal with any of the crap that you have to deal with in the store and you can take your time picking your items out in the app , the worst that happens is you have to just reschedule your pickup time . It was a true game changer for me!

Go alone! I went at night fewer individuals I can take my time. So you can concentrate on what’s needed! My adhd use to cause me to overspend I would take out a few hundred at the bank that way I wouldn’t defer from my list. Make a list and the night before I would break everything in categories IE Meat, Dairy, Snacks, Beverages etc this helped me a lot.

I use Walmart online! I use their List feature with regular meals having their own list of ingredients, a list of “staples” and one for regular items. At checkout they also pop up items I usually order, just in case. Then I have them delivered! No store or shopping anxiety! No impulsive buying! This has been a LIFESAVER for me!

I have a list on my phone with stuff i usually buy. That way i wont forget if i know something has run out. I try to check it as "need to buy" when I know it. But I'm often lazy... I have a list of meals me and the kiddos like. I use that to help me prepp. I koftan buy frozen greens since it wont perish as fast. If I know I'll eat it within two days I buy it fresh. I try to buy food for the whole week. I try to have a few recipies thats more complex. But I wont overdo it since i know my limits. Sometimes I switch meal days if I'm too lazy. I have a specific day planned for shopping. That way its easier. I plan the week a different day so it wont overwhealm me.

Although I hate you have to go through that, I also struggle with that. In fact it’s one of my main things that triggers my anxiety and overstimulates me so badly. Hope you find something that works! 🙂

I thought the grocery store struggle was just me🥹🫠😊

Also Aldi’s is good as it’s only 5 aisles. Not so overwhelming but shield your eyes thru the home/accessories part, so many deals to tantalize you.

Curbside pickup from Walmart saves me time, stress & money. I like to look at everything if I go inside & often buy more than food. Curbside helps eliminate the time spent inside the store & extra cost.

For me, texting my grocery list to my husband helps keep me motivated to stick to the list. I buy ready made breakfast sandwiches I can just microwave and go. After dropping off my son at school I go to the store for non perishable items to put in the trunk. Then I run errands. When I pick up my son from school we go to the store to pick up a snack item and dinner for the night, then drive home. Try to spend 10-15 minutes at the store each time and nothing more. You just need the food for that day. Buying food too far ahead of time means I’m less likely to actually want to cook or eat it. Go simple with one or two fresh fruits and veggies for between meals. Make kids lunches the night before. You’ll know what you have and don’t have on a daily basis.

I live is AUS.. so I don't know where you are but when I crunched the numbers, I realised the chilled ready made fitness meals are actually saving me money and HEAPS of time and executive functioning battery life compared to groceries. I have a smoothie for breakfast each day and a ready meal for lunch and dinner unless my partner cooks for us both. Takes a lot of strain off him too. I can't tell you how much it has helped me and my mental health! I am childless, so I understand that this is not possible for a lot of people, but if you can manage it, highly recommend. It's also a definite way of meeting all my nutritional needs. Because honestly.. the idea of trying to keep myself fuelled well without this now?? I don't know how I coped. Guess I didn't! But now you have a golden nugget of a tip! 💜🫂

Curbside helps a lot! Its not as expensive as delivery. I get everything from one place to save time and energy. Usually the regular grocery store is the best bet (specific store depends on your location). Stores like Costco and Sam’s Club are most cost friendly but they are only helpful if you are able to shop in bulk. If you don’t eat a ton or have a family to feed, that may not be the best choice. Brand shopping depends on budget. If you are funds limited, store/generic brand will be your friend. I usually shop store brand for everything except cereal and soda. If you like cooking, fresh veggies are your friend. They are generally healthier bc they don’t contain extra preservatives (canned) and havent lost essential vitamins (frozen). But they require extra prep time and expire. Fresh fruits are good for the same reason but they don’t require extra prep. There are websites that have free meal plans (with grocery list). This can help you with your list. Just try to keep it simple. Buy what you like/what you’ll eat. Explore a little at a time, otherwise it will continue to be overwhelming 💕

Online ordering and either curbside pickup or delivery has been a game changer for me.

Utilise ingredients already purchased and create meal plans. Then go for cookbooks/recipe websites where you can make 4-5 ingredients or less recipes that are easy

I shop online and use “curbside” pick up where I am. It saves the list I make, so I always start with that list when making a new order. With the exception of 4-6 items, we usually get a lot of the same stuff off the list. This helps me a) not be overwhelmed or distracted in-store, and b) remember all the usual stuff b/c I have to scroll past it on my list.