To most people, grocery shopping is a necessary evil, but for a fibro mom, it can be a physically devastating chore. Thankfully, this incredible community is always quick to share tips and tricks that can make life with Fibro easier. Here are five tips to make grocery shopping less painful.
Make Grocery Shopping Less Painful
1. Plan Ahead
Plan ahead if you want to make your shopping trip as quick and easy as possible. That means knowing when the store is busiest and avoiding that time. Most people do their grocery shopping on the weekends or after work, so if you can fit it into your schedule to go on a weekday morning or later in the evening, the store will be much quieter, and the checkout lanes won’t overflow customers.
It also helps to make and organize a grocery list. I love using the Our Groceries app on my phone because not only do I remember to bring it with me (unlike my beautifully handwritten lists, which so often end up on the counter at home), but it also makes it super easy to organize the list by department. That way, I don’t have to walk all over the store following my list.
2. Choose your products with size and weight in mind.
Instead of purchasing big, heavy bulk items, try buying the concentrated versions. (Think dish soap and laundry detergent or buying two half-gallons of milk instead of full gallons.) While this can sometimes cost a few extra pennies, it usually isn’t worth the pain.
Think of it this way: From start to finish, you’ll pick up each item at least five times! From taking it off the shelf to putting it away at home, the extra weight really adds up.
3. Listen to your body.
Most of us have certain times of day when we have more energy, so try to schedule your shopping trip. You want to set yourself up for success, and grocery shopping is a big chore, especially if you have kids in tow, so try not to go after running other errands that have already worn you out. You know your body better than anyone, so if it’s not a great day, don’t go. It is better to put off a trip to the store than to end up in bed for a day.
The shopping itself is enough to wipe many of us out, but we still feel pressured to “finish the chore” by putting everything away as soon as we get home. Just leave it be. It will be okay. Leave the bags in the car, leave them inside the door, leave them on the counter, leave them. Even the milk will survive while you rest. One of my favorite ways to recover from a grueling chore is to meditate (thanks to excellent guidance from my friend Anik). Be graceful with yourself.
4. Ask for help.
I know firsthand how hard it is to ask for help, but if you can, put your pride aside and speak up for yourself. Whether it is asking your spouse to stop at the store after work or asking a friend to pick up a few things for you while they are already out, you might be surprised by your community’s generosity if you just ask.
You can also ask for help at the store and use the motorized cart (I know, I know). Ask the bagging attendant to pack your bags lightly so they are easier to carry in when you get home. Ask for help loading the bags into your cart and again into your car. Many stores are happy to assist with these tasks even if they’ve become less common. When you get home, ask for help unloading the groceries and get your kids to help bring in the bags and put things away. They might not always do it exactly how you want, but it is an excellent lesson for them and gives you a break, too.
5. Don’t go if you don’t have to.
Buying groceries online is not what it was 10, 5, or even 2 years ago. You can order groceries for delivery or pickup from many local grocery chains. If yours doesn’t offer the service, they likely offer it from Shipt or Instacart. (Pssst. Shipt is my favorite!)
Some of these services are free, and some have a delivery fee or slightly higher prices than in-store. But again, your health has value, and spending a little extra to save yourself from pain is okay. If you follow a few simple tips, you can save money by buying groceries online. Plus, you avoid toddler temper tantrums, and you can’t put a price on that.
Author
BioJenna is a mom to four awesomely exhausting children. She believes finding the right food for your family should be more accessible. She is committed to providing the information you need to make deliberate choices for your family. Learn about your grocery shopping choices and follow her on Instagram.
Great post. I really enjoyed this blog. Thank you for your sharing.
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