There are two extreme camps of people when it comes to grocery shopping: those who look forward to heading to the grocery store all week and those who will procrastinate with 100 other tasks before they cave to going to the store. I fall into the first category. To me, the grocery store is a place where I can get inspiration, discover new ingredients and, honestly, unwind from the outside world. Call me crazy, but I think grocery shopping is fun! Here are a few ways you can spice up your grocery store visits.

Prepare a List

Let’s start with the logistics: going to the grocery store with a list will keep you focused and prevent you from wandering for hours. I use Wunderlist to keep track of my groceries, but I also support the old-fashioned way with a good pen and paper. This helps me eliminate stress at the store and I leave feeling so much more satisfied once I’ve crossed off everything I need for the week.

Dance in the Aisles

I’m serious! When I was little, my favorite part of going to the grocery store with my mom was being able to spin up and down the aisles. When nobody is looking bust a move…I dare you! It will help you keep the mood light, plus it’s an exhilarating feeling when nobody catches you.

Ingredient Challenge

To keep things fun at the grocery store, make it a little bit of a game! As you’re walking down the aisle to pick up an item, grab something random and read about it. Have you ever heard of it before? How do you think it’s used? If you want to go the extra mile, pull out your phone and do a little research!

Get to Know the People 

I write about my appreciation for Trader Joe’s monthly when I highlight a few favorite ingredients (here’s March, April and May). One of the reasons I’m such an advocate for them is because I think they make grocery shopping more friendly! I see the same faces in the smaller-scaled store and know I can ask the Trader Joe’s employees a question without bothering them. They genuinely have an interest in the products, so it makes it fun to hear their insight when I’m looking to try something new. Whatever store you shop at, make friends with the employees by asking their insight or simply saying hello!

Pick the right time

One of the biggest frustrations with grocery shopping for me is when the store is full of people, carts and lines. Be conscious of the busiest times at your local grocery store. Pick random times like later in the evening instead of directly after work. Weekends are always hectic at the store, but you could even ask the employees for a time when the store is quietest. Fewer people may make the shopping experience more enjoyable for you.

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela

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