If you’re like me, and find yourself hungrily prowling the aisles of Ralph’s every few days, you could use a few tips on organizing your “grocery-store style.” Here are some of the best lessons I’ve learned when it comes to saving money, time and calories at the grocery store.

Eat Before You Go

You just got off work and you know there is nothing in the fridge at home. Your stomach is growling, your hackles are up, and the fried chicken wings in the deli department are looking pretty darn good. Come to think of it, those chocolate chip cookies wouldn’t be so bad either… And before you know it, you’ve got a cart full of enough hip-hugging munchies to feed the planet.

Whoa there, momma. Pull up the reigns for just a second. Right now your biological instincts are running the show (that is, the “let’s-not-starve-to-death” show) and it’s not looking so good for your wallet or your waistline. Slow down. If you need to, grab an apple and tear through that before you hit the rows of temptation. You will feel more relaxed and level-headed as you make your choices.

Make a List

I have definitely been guilty of wandering in the grocery store. You know you need to go, but as soon as you get there, you can’t remember a single thing that you need. Whoops! Recipe for disaster. Instead of wandering the dairy aisle wondering if you’ll need whipped cream (which you won’t, nice try), make a list before you even step foot out of the house. Take a look in the pantry and notice which foods you actually eat. All out of eggs? Put it on the list. Are three boxes of Ritz Crackers becoming stale in the black hole of your cabinet? Maybe they shouldn’t be on the list. Make sure you have everything you need on your list, which will save you multiple trips to the store during the week.

Join the Club

As annoying as it is to fill out yet another application form, it’s even more annoying to know that you paid $1.10 more for your broccoli than the club card member in front of you with the perfect hair. Many grocery stores have “clubs” you can join for free to get regular discounts (and if you know a good hair stylist in LA, drop me a line).

Check the Paper

Okay, yes, I too get angry and throw away the coupon mailer that comes every week. What a waste of paper! I think. Turns out it might not be as big a waste as I thought it was (…though it still is mostly a waste). Each week the grocery stores in your area select certain items to discount only with a coupon. If you took the time to clip those coupons, you’re saving even more. BEWARE: don’t fall into the coupon trap! Coupons work for companies because they think you’ll see a product you don’t normally buy, but since it’s on sale, you’ll purchase it. Thus, actually getting you to spend more money than you would have otherwise. The trick here is to clip only coupons for products you would have bought anyway. Resist temptation!

Stick to the Outer Sections

Everyone’s heard this one before. The fattening/sugary/salt-bomb foods are in the center aisles of the grocery store. The fresh produce, dairy, bread and cute guys at the meat counter are usually on the outsides of the store. Stay away from the inner labyrinth to protect your health.

Leave the Kids at Home

Now, I don’t have kids so bear with me here: this piece of advice is simply based on what I did as a kid. Your kids are probably better-behaved at the grocery store than I was when I was eight (yeah, right).

Eight-year-old me sees Fruity Pebbles on the shelf, and I reallllly want it because Leslie Meyer’s mom always lets her have Fruity Pebbles but my mom won’t. Mom tells me to find a cereal that has less than 10g of sugar in it, and I do. I make a big show of placing the Whole Wheat Chex in the cart and then, when Mom isn’t looking, I hide the Fruity Pebbles underneath the Chex. If my plan works, she won’t notice the box of sugary yummies during checkout and I can sneak it home! Victory!

By the way, this plan never works and usually results in temper tantrums and extra time spent arguing about what is healthy. Leave the kids at home.

Enjoy Yourself

Grocery shopping is an errand, yes, but it can also be quite enjoyable. Food is part of life and we live in a time that gives us incredible access to delicious foods – Enjoy them!

Comments? Email Allison at allison@allisonvolk.com.