Tips for being a Smart Food Shopper

Hello lovelies! As part of a general aim of being more organised- otherwise read as getting my sh*t together, I have a tips post on how to be a smart food shopper. I know I'm not the only one who loves going food shopping to the point where it can be (and often is) the highlight of my day. I love food, I plan my day around what I'm going to eat and I can get seriously 'hangry' if I do t have access to food. Anyway, back on track- what might seem like an easy task can be made so much more productive and organised following these tried and tested tips.

Eat before you go!

Do not, I repeat do not go food shopping if you are hungry. It may be obvious but I forget the number of times I have gone shopping on an empty stomach and come out with all the food I don't really need. Its simple, eat, then shop and save money!

Prepare

I see food shopping as a mission. Where I would happily spend a few hours perusing around the aisles, my boyfriend on the other hand wants to be in and out like a ninja. To aid us in this and ultimately keep our relationship in tact, I like to plan what meals we are having and then make a list of all the things we need. It saves time as you know exactly what you need and it saves money too because you don't get random things that may never get eaten.

Check the use by dates

Another tip that seems obvious but often forgotten. The tip here is to always look underneath the items on top as that's where the fresher produce is and it will therefore last a little longer giving you more time to consume it all.

Look down

On a budget? Most supermarket stores will have the cheaper alternatives right at the bottom of the shelves. This is because it's out of general view in the hope that customers will buy the more expensive brands. I'm not one for only buying branded food as more often then not the cheaper alternatives tastes just as good if not better (with exceptions of course).

Be a crazy coupon lady

I seriously think if I lived in America it wouldn't take me long before I became coupon obsessed and ended up on that programme for extreme couponers! I often blame my obsession with saving money on being from Yorkshire but I'm not sure that justifies it enough! Anyway, what I'm advising here is to take a few mins to scout out some offers before going shopping. If you're a tesco user-use your club card! You can save quite a bit here and there using the vouchers they send you through the post and it's similar for other supermarkets with reward cards. 

So there we have it! A few simple ways to being a smart food shopper. Let me know in the comments if you have any tips of your own when it comes to shopping. Also, how cute is this shopping bag? I got it from the poundshop and it's great for carrying the heavier stuff like milk etc- jees how old do I sound?

Chrissy x

5 Tips for Sticking to your 2016 Resolutions

Hey! This is the first of many tips and tricks posts that I've been writing recently and I'm really enjoying writing them. I wish I could follow my own advice more but hey ho- easier said then done. Today I have some motivational support for all of you who have set yourself New Year resolutions at the beginning of the year and may be struggling to keep them up. January seems to go on forever and by the time February arrives a lot of people totally forgott about their New year goals, so here are 5 easy tips to get you back on track with whatever your goal is and hopefully keep you going throughout the year.

Make a list of your new year resolutions

In doing this, think about why you set these goals. Write them down so you can visually see them. I always find that 'shit gets serious' once its written down in black and white.

Tell a friend or social media

If you're struggling with your goal then telling some one close to you means they can hold you accountable and motivate you to keep going. Similarly with putting it out there on social media.

Find some inspiration

Want to lose weight or just be more healthy? Get following some new fitness and health blogs or instagram accounts to make you see visually what you want and how you can get it. People can often get jealous doing this but instead, use it as inspiration. I think inspiration is one of the best tools for motivation.

Make a plan

Ask yourself why you aren't doing so well or why you've given up completely if that's the case. Figuring out why will then help you make a plan to avoid it and succeed. I like to write lists to help me plan- breaking goals up so they are smaller will make it seem less daunting and more doable! *How weird does the word doable look written down?*

Remember to take one day at a time

Most goals aren't going to be accomplished overnight. Before long 1 day will be a week later, a month later and the year will go on pretty quick. You can achieve all your goals with the right mental attitude and support around you. Just take things one day at a time and concentrate on the present rather than the future.

I hope this helps any of you who may be struggling! It was so useful just writing these down for myself in order to motivate me to keep going! Let me know in the comments how your 2016 resolutions are going and if you have found any other useful ideas for motivating yourself.

Chrissy x