Another thing that helps with following diet guidelines, or just
preparing healthy nutritious meals, is ordering groceries online. This
may or may not be available in your area, but it's another huge time
saver. Nowadays, most all supermarkets have websites, and many of them
have online shopping. You "browse" the aisles, adding things to your
virtual shopping cart, just as you do at the real store, check out, and
have them deliver it to your door. Shopping this way really helps to
cut down on impulse purchases and stick to your list (and your diet),
but there are a few caveats.
- First, they accept
payment with credit and debit cards, some take checks (electronically)
but few, if any, accept cash. The driver does not accept payment, he
just delivers. Check with the supermarkets in your area to see what
payment methods are accepted.
- They usually have the
weekly sale circulars on their website, so you can make your menus and
shop the sales, and you can register your "courtesy card" to take
advantage of sales that use them. But, the stores around here do not
accept coupons for online sales. If you use coupons extensively, online
shopping may not be your thing.
- Before you place your
first order, check out the availability of the sorts of things you buy
and the brands available. There's a market nearby that has great
prices, and I was looking forward to having my order delivered in short
order. During my shopping experience, I learned that the database of
available products was sparse, not up-to-date, and mostly contained
only the most expensive choices vs. the less expensive store brands. I
was only able to complete half of my order, and have not used them
again. The store I do shop from has an extensive database, reflecting
current sale items and store brands. Shopping there is quick and
painless.
- As online grocery shopping becomes more
prevalent, getting delivery times of your choosing can sometimes be
difficult. I find if I do my shopping a bit at a time, saving my
shopping cart as I go, and try to finalize my order by no later than
Thursday, it's easier to get a weekend delivery time. See which of the
local markets have convenient delivery times. If delivery times look
too available, there may be a reason. Check their prices and stock
availability. Read all online shopping documentation, and call with any
questions before deciding on which grocery to patronize.
- Be aware there will most likely be a delivery charge. Around here, it ranges from 7 to 10 dollars. I consider that more than reasonable, considering the savings in time and money. Ensuring I have adequate food supplies keeps the convenience food and take-out trips to a minimum, which more than compensates for the delivery charge. Officially, the delivery person does not accept tips. One store looks the other way when you tip, but another delivery person actually declined the tip. Your choice.
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