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Smart shopping: less stress with a list
A good shopping list saves time, money and impulse buys. Here's how to put one together in ten minutes.
Why a list makes such a difference
If you shop without a plan, you buy whatever you fancy and whatever your hunger tells you. With a list, the things you really need during the week end up in your basket.
The basic list
These things should almost always be in the house:
- Protein: eggs, yoghurt, quark, tinned pulses, tofu or chicken
- Vegetables: fresh for the first few days, frozen for the rest of the week
- Sides: rice, potatoes, wholegrain pasta, oats
- Extras: nuts, fruit, spices, a good sauce
Your weekly list in three steps
- Plan three or four main meals, not seven.
- Write down what you're missing for them.
- Add the basic list.
Frozen vegetables aren't a compromise
They're frozen shortly after harvest, cook quickly and don't go off. Ideal for days when there's no time.
My tip
Don't go shopping hungry. A small snack before you shop saves a surprising number of impulse buys.
