Franklin Mom Blog

My Grocery Revolution!

I don't know about you, but I know I've spent a lot of extra time and money over the years on groceries--just ask Eric.  When I shop with kids in tow, I end up with lots of extra items that they'd like.  Even when I don't have the kids, I end up running through the aisles, throwing all kinds of stuff in my cart.  It makes me feel like we'll have enough for the week, and usually I'm in a hurry to get home and feed the baby or run to a ball game.  So, Franklin Moms, it's time for a revolution!

I've found that grocery success takes time to prepare.  For little ones, bring some snacks or get some there when you first walk in.  Also, let them help you choose some items such as produce.  With my older ones, I've found that they love to cross off the items we get on my list.  My 9 year old loves to carry a calculator.  It's a great way to practice math skills, like rounding up to the nearest dollar.  If you have more than one child, go ahead and bring them each a list and a calculator to save yourself a fight! 

With a plan for the kids, the only other must-have is a plan for myself!  I do plan meals and coupons ahead, but found yet another step to make my life easier. A grocery list spreadsheet. Download Franklin Mom Grocery List. This spreadsheet is categorized by store, then by aisle, then by item.  That way I can hang it up on the inside of a kitchen cupboard, and put an "x" next to each item I need as I remember.  When I get to the store, I will save lots of time knowing my list is already in aisle order, and I can also do a quick scan of the other items I normally buy there to make sure I'm not missing something!

Because I eat gluten free, dairy free and sugar free (as much as possible), I split my grocery shopping during the course of a month between Publix, Wal-mart, Costco, The Vitamin Shoppe, Vitacost (online), Whole Foods and Trader Joe's (in Green Hills - hopefully one coming to Williamson County one day).  Trader Joe's is by far, my favorite place to shop simply because I find I can usually get healthy gluten free, dairy free foods there for less money.  Plus, the shopping experience is unique.  Trader Joe's employees are eager to help and very knowledgable about the products they sell.  Side top, don't shop there on weekends - it's busy.

Download Franklin Mom Grocery List and you'll be able to download and print my list. It shows what I buy and where.  Please feel free to make it your own, and let me know how it goes!  Please give me any suggestions to make this list even easier to use for you.

Luna & Larry's Coconut Bliss

Anyone tried this "ice cream" yet? It's Luna & Larry's Coconut Bliss made with coconut milk and has no dairy, no gluten, and no sugar. It tastes amazing! I hope Whole Foods is on top of it's stock, otherwise they may run out very soon on account of me! My favorite flavor so far is Mint Galactica. Other flavors include coconut, vanilla, and chocolate hazlenut (which just recently disappeared from my freezer--ERIC!!)

Healthy foods: where to buy what!

I have found myself comparing prices on healthy foods at many differnt stores/websites.  The price differences are amazing.  For instance King Arthur's flour is close to $7 at Whole Foods, but around $4 at Publix.  Cereal bars, on the other hand are a different story.  Whole foods has boxes of 6 for $2, and Publix's most inexpensive healthy choice is $4. 

I am going to list what I have found is the best place to buy what.  Some of the brands I've compared directly, while others were similar products.  The only caution I would give is:  whatever you do, don't shop all these stores in one week, especially without a budget!  I usually will hit Publix weekly, and Vitacost, Whole Foods, Costco, and Walmart/Aldi once a month.  The bulk of my budget goes to Publix, and the smaller amount I spend at the "extra" place.

I'd love to hear if any of you have tried Plumgood.com too!  I haven't tried it, but with a baby on the way, it may be my new adventure!

Okay, here's the list:

PUBLIX

    yogurt, milk, beans, healthy snack items, natural meats, Boar's head deli meats and cheeses,

    flour, baking items (yeast,) organic fruits/veggies, cereal

VITACOST.COM

    All supplements, herbs, oils, shampoo, hand soaps, facial products, laundry soap, dish soap, lotions,

    toothpaste, sunscreen, cleaning products

WHOLE FOODS

    Wheat berries, bulk spices, milk, Rapunzel bullion, peanut butter, cereal, yogurt, tortillas, cereal

    bars, barred soap, fruit leather,

COSTCO

    Nuts, bottled water, diapers, wipes, some meats, cheeses, juices, fruits, eggs, organic lettuce,

    organic carrots

WALMART/ALDI

    Wild caught fish