Three Tips for Grocery Shopping in the City + My List Lately

IMG_8351.jpeg

Part of me took for granted living in Pittsburgh, with a car. Now that I’m living in Chicago on my own with a strict schedule, the little things, like grocery shopping, require careful planning. Here are my top three tips for getting it done while living downtown, and what I’ve been stocking my fridge and pantry with lately!

Top Three Tips for Grocery Shopping in the City

#1 Invest in a travel grocery cart. 

It honestly baffles me how many people I see that carry bags of heavy groceries home walking several city blocks. It stumps me even more, because I know they likely make several trips to the store a week. I bet they can’t possibly get detergent and toilet paper in the same day. Thankfully there’s a very simple solution! Invest in a cart. I don’t care how “dorky” I look pushing it down the street. I don’t have to break my back trying to get my groceries home, and I can make one trip a week. I’ve even overheard some guys my age talking one time about how nice they thought my cart was, and how they wished theirs was that nice. Cart envy is real people. I’ve linked mine here.

#2 Purchase reusable grocery bags.

In the city of Chicago, you are charged for bags every time. I bought reusable bags from target when I moved here, and they’re perfect for totes and picnics as well. I keep them in my grocery cart so I never forget them on the way to the store! Less wasteful, cheaper, and useful! Such a no-brainer. 

#3 Buy more at the store, so you’re less tempted to eat out. 

In the city, there are amazing places to grab a quick bite everywhere. I buy so many more practical, packable food items now that I live here. When I have snacks in my purse and yummy things to eat at home, I’m not tempted to eat out for lunch everyday.

My List Lately

  • Bag of apples

  • Grapes

  • Avocados

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • Eggs

  • Pork chops

  • Amy’s Split Pea Soup

  • Brown Rice

  • Frozen Broccoli

  • Birch’s Paleo Waffles

  • Cashew Butter

  • Almond Milk

  • Kombucha

  • Earl Grey Tea

  • Go Macro Bars OR Lara Bars

  • Beef sticks (like Chomps or any Whole 30 approved brand)

  • Honey

IMG_8492.jpeg
Brady CollinsComment