Written By: Heather
Online grocery shopping is now being offered through many of the major food stores.
It’s almost too easy. You pick out your things (It takes me about 5-10 minutes) and then set up the time you want your groceries to be delivered or the time slot you would like to pick them up at. Most groceries stores have a small fee for delivery and offer the service for free if you pick up.
Here are some other reasons why I love online grocery shopping:
MY TIME IS VALUABLE
The New York Times just published an article about how money can buy happiness, at least when it comes to outsourcing chores and errands you don’t like to do. Buying yourself time does actually make you happier. As I take on more responsibilities and have many whom depend on me, I find my time becomes more challenged for me to engage in the things that bring me joy and fulfillment. I am fortunate enough to be able to contract out certain things in my life that I do not enjoy doing. This comes from the value I place on choosing to do this. I choose to pick up my online order to avoid the delivery fee. In making this change I have been able to prioritize my self care and relationships with others. The min 60 minutes per week I use to spend getting groceries I can now spend it with my family, training at my crossfit box, working on my business etc.
IT FORCES ME INTO MEAL PLANNING AND LEAVES ME NO EXCUSES NOT TO COOK.
I feel in control of my choices and prepared when I map out what I’m going to cook and eat for the week. It allows me to discuss with my children and husband what nutritional choices they want for the week, making everyone happy. In the past I make my list in my head, have to go to multiple stores and end up forgetting something of importance. During that time on average it was taking me an additional two hours of running around just to get the groceries into my possession, which often led to frustration, typically resulting in me buying so candy, so I could go right to that pleasure feeling.
I HAVE BECOME LESS IMPULSIVE AND SAVE MONEY
One of the biggest things I have enjoyed about being able to search online for my food choices is that I no longer feel the urge to purchase things I do not really need or contribute to digestive issues. Prior to online shopping I would typically go late in the evening after work in which I would be more susceptible to buying candy and treats. Online shopping has also allowed me to become more financially accountable as I have become more aware of sale prices and can see how much money I have spent prior to hitting the confirmation button. As in the past I would fill the cart without putting much thought into how much money I was spending.
I CAN STILL SHOP AT STORES AND MARKETS I LOVE
By shopping online this also frees up some time for me to go once a month to speciality meat stores and Costco for some of my bulk needs. As prior to online shopping it felt as if I was always spending my free time grocery shopping. And even better yet I have for the most part been able to delegate that to my husband as he is much more efficient in this area then I.
In all, identify how much time you dedicate to grocery shopping and see whether or not there is a way that you can allow for more efficiency in time, saving money, and healthier food choices.