Diabetic Cookbook for Two (6 page)

Buying just the right amount of groceries for two people can be a challenge. It is frustrating and expensive when you throw away spoiled produce or meat that has gone bad because you didn’t get around to using it. This is why a weekly meal plan is important. Start with a quick inventory of the pantry, refrigerator, and freezer. Take note of what foods you have and which need to be used. After that, make a cup of tea, sit down with your partner to review the recipes in this book, select the ones you’ll make for the week, and note their ingredients. Compare your inventory to that list and finalize a grocery list for the week. Eat something before you shop to lessen the chances for impulse buying and splurges on less-than-healthy items.

At the grocery store:
Choose a grocery store that is convenient and get to know the layout. Grocery stores have thousands of products—so knowing how your store is set up reduces your shopping time. Use the salad bar to your advantage. If you only need a small amount of an ingredient, check for it on the salad bar. You can fill a salad container with the amount you need instead of buying a larger package. These items are already washed and cut so that saves time and reduces waste. If there’s no salad bar, look for precut, packaged fresh produce or choose frozen vegetables and fruits, which are just as nutritious as their fresh counterparts. In the case of frozen goods, thaw only the amount you need and cut down on spoilage.