The First Month Grocery List:
Eating Well the First Month Living Alone
While living alone, one of the biggest challenges you’ll face is eating properly. Cooking and eating proper meals is something many people struggle with, let alone buying the groceries for them.
If this is you, you need this guide.
It will break down the groceries you need to make quick, easy meals during your first month on your own.
Let’s get into it.
SECTION 1: Grocery List
These foods can be used to make many basic breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals.
Pantry Items
- Rice
- Oatmeal
- Penut Buter
- Cooking Oil
- Pasta
- Potatos
- Salt
- Pepper
Refrigerated Items
- Cheese (Block or Sliced)
- Deli Meat
- Eggs
Frozen Items
- Frozen Vegetables
- Bread (For preservation)
- Chicken Thighs or Drumsticks
- Ground Turkey
Optional (But Still Recommended)
If you have leftover money and can afford it, consider stocking up on these items as well.
- Fresh Fruit (Apples, Bananas, Berries, etc.)
- Fresh Vegetables (Carrots, Lettuce, Onions, Garlic, etc.)
- Canned Goods (Vegetables, Beans, Tuna, etc.)
- Staple Goods (Beans, Lentils, Grains, etc.)
- Spices (Paprika, Garlic Powder, Herbs, etc.)
SECTION 2: Staying Within Budget
There are many things to consider when grocery shopping to avoid overspending.
Plan Ahead
Before shopping, create a list of the things you need and how many of them to buy.
This will help keep you from buying unnecessary things.
Buy in Bulk
Depending on how much you buy, you may have food stocked up to go towards next month’s meals, saving you money on groceries.
When buying in bulk, buy food that won’t go bad quickly or food you will eat before it does.
Hunt For Discounts
Keep an eye out for deals on the groceries you’re looking for.
Buying even a few of your selected items for a discount will save money.
Buy store-brand products over name-brand.
Store-brand items are usually cheaper.
Know When to Buy
You don’t need to buy everything all at once.
In fact, certain things you buy may not last a whole month.
Know Where to Buy
The prices of produce can vary by location, and some places offer different deals on certain products.
Shopping at sales and discount stores is excellent since they’re full of deals on their produce.
Store Properly
The food you buy can last as long as you store it properly.
Storage Options:
- Ziplock Bags
- Airtight Containers
- Vacuum Sealer
- Jars
Cook Big Meals
When cooking, make large portions to store and eat later.
You won’t have to cook as much and you save money on ingredients.
Final Thoughts: You’re Doing Great
Managing food is difficult, especially when money gets tight.
Since food can go bad, it’s hard to know what to buy that can last.
But as long as you cover the essentials, you won’t have to worry about going hungry.
You don’t need gourmet food to eat well.
Just the basics.