How To Spend Less Time at the Grocery Store + Week 4 Meal Plan

Around here, I don’t just have a meal plan. I have a shopping plan too. You see, I make it into a game where I need to in and out of the grocery store within an hour.

And we’ve been doing it. 

That’s the benefit of meal planning and writing out a list. I know what I need so I can go fast and not spend more time than I need to there.

Yes, I could totally use Instacart (and have), but I like to use it when there just isn’t any time during a busy week. I definitely recommend it.

Here are the 3 things I do to get in and out of the grocery store fast:

1. Meal Plan
2. Make a list
3. Get to Sprouts before 9:30am on Wednesday (double ads)

That last one is key. I drag my kid out of bed so we can get there by 9:30. Since hardly anyone’s at the store, there’s more stock and more room to whip through the store quickly without running into anyone or having to wait in the produce section or at the deli counter.

I can finish shopping in 30 minutes, thanks to my list. The last few times I’ve gone, there’s hardly anyone in line by the time I go to check out. Once I’m in line, people start stacking up.

Yesterday we got there at 9:34 with just a few cars in the parking lot. We walked out a 10:07 and the lot was full.

Timing is everything. 

So, that’s my game plan for getting in and out of the grocery store within an hour.

And now on to the Week 4 meal plan.

Breakfast

Paleo “Buttermilk” Pancakes from Paleo Running Momma with Warm Banana Coconut Breakfast Bowls from Fast Paleo.

Also these Loaded Breakfast Muffins from Savory Lotus.

Lunch

One Pan Cashew Broccoli Chicken from Recipes to Nourish. Matthew’s current favorite lunch. We used to have it for dinner but Juliana doesn’t like it. It’s one of the few things she doesn’t like.

Dinners

Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings from Paleo Running Momma.

Cauliflower Risotto with Bacon and Mushrooms from Paleo Running Momma with Italian Sausage. Turns out this was really good when we had it a couple weeks ago.

Fish Taco Bowls from Perry’s Plate. The cream sauce makes it. So good and refreshing for summer. I usually serve this with guac and pico de gallo …except I forgot stuff to make pico this week.

Grilled Marinated Chicken. I’ll use a dressing as a marinade.

Shepherd’s Pie from Pioneer Woman. Yes, I know it’s dang hot out but I’m craving it. I make it more paleo friendly with cauliflower mash on top.

Sauce. Yes, this was on the meal plan last week. I never got around to making it and I think we ended up eating away from home more than once.

So there it is, this week’s meal plan, plus how to get in and out of the grocery store in an hour. Enjoy!

Need more meal ideas? Check out the past meal plans.

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Make meal planning easier using a Meal Master List.