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If you live alone, grocery shopping can feel wasteful. Grocery story portions are usually designed to feed families instead of just one person.
So how can you plan a grocery trip just for you that will leave you feeling healthy and less wasteful?
Plan Ahead
Buy ingredients you can use in multiple meals. It's easier to add variety when you have ingredients you can use in several meals.
Condiments and spices are your friend! They can dress up plain foods, and add totally new flavors to basic meals.
Think About How Long Ingredients Usually Last
Non-perishables
Don't go bad for a long time
Good to buy in bulk
Perishables
Go bad quickly
Try to buy only as much as you think you will need
Frozen fruits and veggies last longer than fresh ones, and they still have lots of good nutrients!
Quiz
Which ingredient is the best to buy in bulk?
Brown rice lasts for a long time, but salmon, apples, and fresh cilantro will all start to go bad sooner rather than later. Since brown rice lasts longer, it's safer to buy larger portions of it.
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Portion And Freeze
Split leftovers into small portions and freeze them for later. Proteins like steak, chicken, or fish will last for a long time in the freezer.
If your grocery store has a bulk goods section, it's a great way buy the exact amount you want, so nothing goes to waste. You can do the same thing at the deli counter with meats and cheeses.
Quiz
Which option gives you the most control over how much you buy?
Getting lunch meat sliced at the deli will give you the most control over how much you buy, because you tell the deli worker how much to slice. All of the other options give you a pre-determined amount of food.
How Often To Buy Groceries
Several smaller grocery trips might be better than one big trip.
For example, you can buy groceries for 2-3 days at a time, buying only the ingredients you know you will use for those 2-3 days.
This strategy is great if you want to include lots of fresh fruits, veggies, and herbs in your diet!
Take Action
Time to take your new insights to the store! Start now:
This Byte has been authored by
Silvan Spicer
higher education instructional designer
This Byte has been reviewed by
Lana Do
MD, MPH, BCMAS