Do you plan out your meals before grocery shopping?
Brila09
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Do you plan out your meals before grocery shopping?
Or do you just go buy a bunch of stuff and throw it all together when the day comes?
I'm having a rough time with keeping my groceries fresh and using it up before it goes bad. For example, I'll buy vegetables and before I have a chance to finish cooking with them they'll wilt and just look icky. I feel like I'm wasting money slowly but surely.
RockysGirl
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Re: Do you plan out your meals before grocery shopping?
I usually plan my meals before shopping, that way everything gets used within that one week before I shop again. I HATE it when food goes bad, it really does feel like such a waste.
Bride908
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Re: Do you plan out your meals before grocery shopping?
I used to buy everything all at once but I stopped. The veggies always went bad before I could use them. I stock up on stuff for the week or things that wont go bad. If there is nothing left in the house I'll stop at the store and pick up what I need to make dinner for the night and the next few days.
GinaZ
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Re: Do you plan out your meals before grocery shopping?
i plan before so I know what I need and already have
TrueLoveIn2008
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Re: Do you plan out your meals before grocery shopping?
When I have time, I look at the circular and see what's on sale. I think about what I can make with those foods and buy what I need.
When I do not have time - I just buy stuff we always seem to have in the fridge - chicken, steaks, ground beef, frozen fish, shrimp, etc - and figure out when it's time to cook.
I buy frozen veggies instead of fresh for the most part now. They are actually better than fresh because they are frozen very soon after being picked, and that supposedly seals in all the nutrients - whereas fresh veggies take days to get to the supermarket after they are picked, and then by the time you buy them and then use them, you could be looking at 7-10 days from the day they were picked.
SB7308
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Re: Do you plan out your meals before grocery shopping?
I hate buying fresh veggies/fruit. They always go bad too quick! I've resorted to frozen bags of veggies. They arent as bad and they last longer.
As for fruit, i'll buy less at a time. One or two fruits until they are used up then buy a different kind.
Mici n KC
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Re: Do you plan out your meals before grocery shopping?
I buy veggies that are on sale mostly. Some things will last a little longer than others. I also buy a lot of frozen veggies and I'll just steam them or cook them in garlic and oil.
RisiLeigh
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Re: Do you plan out your meals before grocery shopping?
I usually make the same types of meals, so I keep a standard stock of food in the house at all times. If I am gonna cook something new and different, then yes, I will have to plan it out before I go food shopping to make sure I have all the ingredients.
08JulyBride
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Re: Do you plan out your meals before grocery shopping?
Posted by TrueLoveIn2008
When I have time, I look at the circular and see what's on sale. I think about what I can make with those foods and buy what I need.
When I do not have time - I just buy stuff we always seem to have in the fridge - chicken, steaks, ground beef, frozen fish, shrimp, etc - and figure out when it's time to cook.
I buy frozen veggies instead of fresh for the most part now. They are actually better than fresh because they are frozen very soon after being picked, and that supposedly seals in all the nutrients - whereas fresh veggies take days to get to the supermarket after they are picked, and then by the time you buy them and then use them, you could be looking at 7-10 days from the day they were picked.
This is what I do too... I sale shop for meats & veggies and go from that. I also use certain veggies frozen, but only from Trader Joes (string beans are great.. & the corn & the peas) When I buy the fresh veggies over the weekend I use those up first early in the week (like zucchini, broccoli) and then at the tail end of the week I'll use the frozen or fresh that lasts longer like potatoes & carrots, etc.
lillprincess54
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Re: Do you plan out your meals before grocery shopping?
i usually plan b4 i go, it makes it much easier and faster to do the shopping
futuremrsfab
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Re: Do you plan out your meals before grocery shopping?
I definately plan out our meals first- I used to just make a list of what we were out of and buy that- but I actually save so much more money planning out the meals and buying that.
I do buy my meat in bulk though and freeze it into individual portions and I get it at costco- I have been very happy with their meat
SusiBtoM
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Re: Do you plan out your meals before grocery shopping?
I buy based on what is on sale and then cook meals from that . I've also got a nicely stocked pantry and freezer, so I can skip weekly shopping now and then and just pick up some fresh salad veggies, fruit and milk to make it thru the week. I rarely buy fresh veggies unless I am going to cook them within a couple of days. I buy bagged frozen so that I can take out only what I need.
PrincessBride09
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Re: Do you plan out your meals before grocery shopping?
I plan the meals every time. It just makes it easier. Speaking of meals, has anyone ever made Swedish meatballs? FH is craving them, so I am going to try a recipe for them tonight for our special 1 month wedding anniversary!
TrueLoveIn2008
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Re: Do you plan out your meals before grocery shopping?
Posted by PrincessBride09
I plan the meals every time. It just makes it easier. Speaking of meals, has anyone ever made Swedish meatballs? FH is craving them, so I am going to try a recipe for them tonight for our special 1 month wedding anniversary!
I was watching Emeril last week and he was making them -- it was 'The Essence of Emeril' not his live show - you should be able to find the recipe on the food network website. They looked good!
TrueLoveIn2008
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Re: Do you plan out your meals before grocery shopping?
Posted by futuremrsfab
I have been very happy with their meat
I am a 4th grader, yes.
KK Holiday
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Re: Do you plan out your meals before grocery shopping?
i try to plan but it usually doesnt happen. i know my typical meals I make during the week and make a list based on that.
then i go through the house and see what we're low on and write that down
if i'm making anything that requires certain ingredients i usually have to do a special trip
Cutechef729
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Re: Do you plan out your meals before grocery shopping?
I usually plan out meals but there's certain things I always buy to have on hand. I only go to the store if I have a list because then I don't buy as much stuff.
flairforfashion
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Re: Do you plan out your meals before grocery shopping?
I am new at this but I started to plan meals and then buy the stuff. I hate wasting food.
MnM182008
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Re: Do you plan out your meals before grocery shopping?
I go through the circulars on Thursday when I get them, and I match all my coupons up. Takes me a long time but very worth it. I buy meat that is on sale. I will never pay full price for a piece of meat, than I sort of plan my meals around that. I also buy foods that are on sale that I might not need right away, as long as I can freeze them. I hate wasting food. Its just like throwing away money, kills me.
RadiantBride
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Re: Do you plan out your meals before grocery shopping?
Yeah at least the meats I do. Not necessary what day I will cook what, but to have enough to cook for that day. Which reminds me, I forgot to leave the cutlets in the refrigerator to defrost so it seems like tonight will be take out yet again lol.
