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For ages, antiquated ideas of how men and women behave pervaded modern society. For example, the “proper” etiquette for men and women involved the man getting a job and working outside the house. The woman cleaned the home and took care of the children. That idea seemed OK in the 1950s, but it’s 2018, and men and women alike should be striving to achieve equality.
Grocery shopping is one of the traditional tasks assigned to women. In the outdated Leave it to Beaver template, the wife buys the groceries and cooks dinner for her husband every night. But, since men and women are both equally capable of grocery shopping and cooking, it’s time for men to step up to the plate.
So, how does a man successfully grocery shop? And what tips and tricks can you use to make sure you end up buying the right things? Well, it all starts with preparation — and most preparation involves making lists.
The List Is Crucial
Your mind loves lists. You may not understand it consciously, but it’s true. The mind likes lists because they give you schemata that allow your brain to see what’s coming next. Your brain thoroughly enjoys this, which makes the list a perfect tool for grocery shopping.
The list has other benefits, as well. It helps keep you focused. Having a list reminds you of what is essential and what isn’t. Listing helps you resist buying all the things you don’t need, while saving time.
Stick to the Perimeter
You probably don’t think about a strategy when you head to the grocery store. After all, all you’re doing is buying food. What kind of approach could there possibly be? Well, as it turns out, an effective strategy does exist. It involves where you start shopping once you enter the store.
If you want to hit the essential foods that will help your body the most, you need to stay on the perimeters of the store as much as possible. Grocery stores are arranged so the fresh items are along the edges, and the processed foods are in the middle. If you want to shop healthy and make your trip more successful, start by loading up your cart with fresh fruits and vegetables.
Understand the Difference in Types of Stores
This tip is essential, as each type of store is different from the others. For starters, you have the Wal-Marts and the Krogers. These are the standard fare in almost any town, and they come in handy for all the essentials. On the plus side, these stores involve a large selection of products, as well as in-store specials. These stores are on the larger side and offer you a decent price for your money. However, you may run into food that isn’t as fresh as it is in other markets.
Besides the typical markets, you have warehouse stores. These are massive stores that encompass other things such as gas and discounts. Examples of these stores involve Costco and Sam’s Club. Positive aspects of these stores include large selections of items, as well as other products like televisions. The downside, however, is that almost all these types of stores require you to buy a membership.
It’s also important to look for deals online at your local store when you’re searching for the types of markets you want to shop at. Online sales can make your shopping experience more pleasant, while saving you some money.
Try it Out
You now have the tools you need to shop successfully. Go out there and give it a try. Make sure to keep to the perimeter, and always make a list before you go. Happy shopping!
The role of men is changing in the 21st century. Want to keep up?
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Photos provided by the author.