Master Grocery List

I've been trying to get organized.  I'm convinced it is one of the keys to weight loss and success with cementing in good habits.  For example, if I don't make an effort to keep healthy, appealing food in the house, then I'm tempted to eat out or grab something over-processed.  We keep a grocery list on the side of the fridge at our house, but when we're busy we don't always write things down as we use them up.  Seems like I'm often standing in aisle five trying to remember what's left in the cupboard.  Also, every once in a while I'll have one of those brain burps where I'll suddenly remember a healthy snack or meal I haven't had in a long time simply because I've forgotten about it.

One day last week while Little Guy was napping, I grabbed my laptop and headed to the kitchen.  I made a comprehensive list of our grocery mainstays divided into three shopping sections -- Trader Joe's, the regular grocery, and Target.  I dug through the fridge and pantry to help me remember what should be on the list.  I also picked a handful of healthy "go to" supper recipes and added the ingredients to my list.  Obviously, I won't need to buy everything on the list each week, but it will help jog my memory.  I can post one copy on the side of the fridge so I can scan it while I'm getting ready to go shopping and put another with the cloth bags I carry into the grocery store with me.  If I'm overdue for a big stock-up trip, I can print out a copy of the list and mark all the items I need.

Since the list is on my computer, it is easy to update.  And I went ahead and jotted down brands/sizes so it would be easy to send hubby to the store with a copy marked with which items are needed.  I also shifted the items around until they are basically in the order I'll find them in around the store, which will save shopping time.

I know some people might think taking a half hour to create such a list is a little crazy.  But it helped me think through the foods I eat regularly and will save time in the end.  Most importantly, I think it will help me eat better.