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How To Plan Your Regular Shop
So, you've just moved out and living on your own, maybe for the first time. Now, it's up to you to handle things like rent payments, food costs, and buying textbooks, all while trying to save a bit for fun! It can feel like a lot, and that’s totally normal—it’s a big change! But don’t worry, the Res Life team is here to help guide you through it all. While keeping up with rent is on you, we're here to help make everything else easier.
Following on from our introduction to food sustainability, we’re excited to share some practical tips to help you plan your regular grocery shop with the planet in mind. You’ll not only be doing some good for your own health and the environment, but you might even save yourself a bit of cash too!
So, what are the benefits of planning a regular shop?
- Planning your shopping list can really help cut down on food waste and make things easier overall.
- When you plan your shop, it’s easier to stick to your list, so you’re less likely to make impulse buys which also saves you money.
- Less stress! With a good plan, navigating the supermarket becomes a breeze, saving you time and helping you remember everything you need.
- Look out for sales and discounts! A list helps you spot savings opportunities like special offers, coupons, or loyalty rewards.
- You can even buy in bulk for dry foods like pasta, rice, and lentils; it’s cost-effective and helps reduce waste.
Think about meal prep too. By adding ingredients to your shopping list for meal prep, you’ll save time during the week and stay on track with healthy eating, avoiding the junk food temptations. For example, make a big batch of chilli and use it in different ways through the week: chilli with rice one night, burritos the next, loaded nachos the night after, and so on!
How do I plan my food shop?
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Check your stock: Start by taking a look through your cupboards and fridge to see what you already have. Make sure to check the use-by dates on fresh foods, and plan to use up anything that’s close to expiring.
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Throw out expired items: If anything’s gone bad, it’s time for it to go!
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Get creative with leftovers: Have some random ingredients but not sure what to make? Use a recipe finder tool! You can enter the ingredients you have, and it’ll suggest recipes for you. Here’s a great one from Tesco: Tesco Recipe Finder.
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Plan your meals: Think about the meals you’d like for the week, and make a list of ingredients you don’t already have. This will then become your shopping list!
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Organise your food list by aisles: If you know your supermarket’s layout, try organising your list to match it. This will save you time and help to avoid those impulse buys.
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Set a budget: Have a spending goal in mind before you go so you’re less likely to overspend.
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Use loyalty card programs and discounts: Most UK supermarkets have free loyalty card schemes. Sign up ahead of time (like the Tesco Clubcard) to save money and avoid any last-minute hassle.
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Plan your transport: Can you walk or catch a bus to the store? Avoid taxis if you can. They’re pricey and not eco-friendly. If you need one, ask friends to share the fare.
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Bring reusable bags: Tote bags and backpacks are great for reducing plastic waste and save money on bags at the end of your shop.
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Look out for deals: Keep an eye out for discounts on items that can be frozen or used later, which will save you some money over time.
No matter what your dietary needs are or where you shop, this list is a great place to start. Feel free to mix and match steps to make it work for you. And most of all, happy sustainable shopping! #ThereIsNoPlanetB
