by Victoria Rose Perkins

Created on: May 11, 2009   Last Updated: February 13, 2010

The number one tip for successful grocery shopping begins at home... not in the grocery store. Are there food items in your refrigerator that have to be thrown out every week? How about the leftovers we were going to eat, but somehow we ended up shoving them to the back and they were forgotten...until rotten?  Most of us are busy, and guilty of wasting food without meaning to.  This is an area where we can first learn to be a successful shopper.

1. The old proverb "waste not - want not" is absolutely true when it comes to being a successful shopper. If you waste it, you have to replace it, thereby causing unnecessary added expense to our grocery bills.

2. Take those nightly leftovers and put them in reusable microwavable containers. Date, label and freeze. This stops waste and automatically stretches the food budget and comes in handy when too tired to cook a meal.

3. Coupon clipping is only valuable when actually needed and the items purchased will get eaten. So many of us fall into the trap of buying items because they are "on sale." Advertisers are not in the business of doing favors, they are out to make money. So resist the temptation. Look online for printable coupons, however only for the ones you can really use.

4. Every week you will find a tray of breads and other bakery items nearing expiration date. Purchase what you need and freeze it. You can save as much as 50% off breads, bagels and the like, and they all retain their freshness once frozen.

5. "Manager's Specials", ususally on Mondays, are meats all nearing expiration dates. You can buy these meats and poultry at a good discount and these freeze and keep their freshness.

6. Crock pot cooking allows you to buy the toughest piece of pork, chicken and beef and turn it into tender and delicious meal. Added bonus is you save on paying for the more expensive choices of meat and don't end up losing out on taste and nutrition.

7. Raw beans are very inexpensive, high in protein and low in fat. Canned beans always cost a lot more and have been processed. Raw beans can be made into great chili, soups, stews and casseroles. For an incredible 500 bean recipes, go to www.biblebean.com and learn how good and nourishing beans are.

8. Compare pricing labels. Once you know the exact ingredients compared to name-brand items and the savings, you will find shopping for generic brands can save you money on all grocery shopping items.

9.  It is true you can save money by buying in bulk.  Just be aware of expiration dates and discerning whether the items will really be used up before expiration.

10. It is also true we should not shop on an empty stomach, or when too tired and/or stressed out.  This only encourages impulse buying. 

As mentioned, we need to eliminate the waste first, in order to be a successful grocery shopper. This is the first and foremost way to get  on the right track to becoming a great shopper.

During these hard economic times, coupled with skyrocketing food prices, we can no longer afford to be casual about our grocery shopping. Who of us has not been astounded lately, when the "few groceries" we purchased only fills up two bags and ends up costing $50.00 or more? We have no choice but to become successful shoppers!

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