How to Go Grocery Shopping While Living Alone!

No one ever tells you that it’s actually hard to keep yourself alive. If I didn’t actively remind myself to shower or eat, I’d probably be either dead or in a very decrepit state. And, it’s even harder when you’re living alone! Sometimes we need a little help, especially at the grocery store, and that’s okay. Fine, a lot of help, but that’s okay, too.

If you’re living on your own for the first time, chances are you’re on a budget, and you need a little assistance. So, don’t fret, here’s a simple compilation of grocery related things to remember when living alone!

Before you leave for the grocery store…

First of all, everyone has their own dietary needs and preferences. For me, I am allergic to most nuts, and I love to include many different types of food in my diet. So, my diet may look a bit different than others, especially those who are vegan, lactose intolerant, etc. This is not at all a diet to follow or persuading you to eat a different way. This is simply a few things I have learned along the way that have helped me. The great thing about living alone: you only have one diet to worry about!

Look for the daily or weekly deals at your local grocery store and sign up for any promotions, such as entering your phone number or email. Sometimes grocery stores will give major discounts! Before you head to the store, make sure you eat. Do NOT go to the store hungry! It is also helpful to look for some recipes for meals that you would like to make ahead of time. Then, look at the ingredients and make it happen! Stock up on food weekly so you always have things on hand. Just remember, you don’t need to be a chef overnight, and your meals do not need to be overly challenging! Simplicity is key.

Stock up on non-perishables!

Just like in our wardrobe, we need a stockpile of the basics, and a few accent pieces. Start with canned items like beans, soups, and fruit. (Tip: always buy for less than a dollar, and make sure the fruit is canned in 100% juice!) Stock-up on dried foods like pasta, quinoa, rice (minute rice works!) and oatmeal (or other alternatives). It doesn’t take much to add these non-perishables to your pantry, you won’t run out too fast, and they will last longer than other food! Until you venture out to other seasonings, make sure you have at least salt, pepper, and cooking oil (I just love olive oil for everything). I also really love to stick to the generic brands when it comes to non-perishables. They are always cheaper, and I find that they usually taste exactly the same.

I always make sure to stock up on healthier ingredients first, and then add a few fun items to the cart, like mac and cheese, cereal bars, etc. Don’t forget to add a few munchables like pretzels, fruit leather, nuts (I’m allergic!), beef jerky, rice cakes, etc. I find it to be helpful to have various healthy options available for when my blood sugar is low.

Okay, what next?

Head to the fresh food isle of the grocery store! Depending on your dietary needs, pick a few veggies and fruits that you enjoy. I like to keep balance between greens and colorful items. Check out what is in season! Always buy what you think you can eat, but push yourself to add more fresh items to your pallet! As you experiment with recipes, you will learn to experiment with other veggies as well. I like to buy baby carrots, salad mixes, mangos, avocados, and celery. I like to buy things I know I do not have to cook and I can just cut up ahead of time or even bring on the go. It doesn’t take a master chef to cut a few veggies.

Depending on your dietary preferences, you can buy items such as cheese sticks, eggs, yogurt, and cottage cheese for a fast burst of protein. Eggs are amazing for frying in a pan or even microwaving. Make sure you research how to cook raw meat if you decide to go this route. Its usually cheaper to buy items like meat raw or in bulk rather than pre-packaged or pre-cooked. Take into account the convenience and financial factors of cooking raw ingredients vs pre-cooked ingredients. Baking chicken in the oven is an easy way to start out.

You can also find tons of healthy frozen options that have instructions on the package! Plan meals ahead of time to save time at the store. I also LOVE to throw chicken or potatoes into the instant pot! If you don’t have one, GET ONE! I linked the product below:) They are one the best and easiest kitchen appliances I have owned! (We have two now)

Last, but not least…

When you are living alone, buy from the grocery store exactly what you know you will eat, but minimize the sweets and junk food to keep them as treats! What you have in your fridge is what you will end up eating. And, obviously, every diet is different for each person. As you find more recipes you enjoy and practice with cooking, you can learn how to meal prep to save time in your busy schedule. Remember, eating a well-balanced diet doesn’t need to be challenging or expensive, and you don’t need to survive on ramen and potato chips your entire life! You will soon adjust as you learn more, and you will be feeding yourself and eating like a king in no time.

What are your biggest challenges when it comes to living alone?

Tags: living alone, affiliate, instant pot, cooking, shopping, food, grocery