Believe it or not, grocery shopping can be fun — if you are prepared and allot enough time for it, that is. It can also be a successful way to bring the entire family on board the healthy food express. Make them a part of the process and they are more likely to enjoy the changes.

Menu Planning

It may sound like a lot of work, and a little hyper-organized, but by planning out a week’s worth of meals you will actually save time and money and eliminate a good deal of stress.

The first step is to brainstorm with your family for meal ideas. Remember that if they don’t like it, they probably won’t eat it. This is most important when it comes to snacking. If everything in the kitchen looks unappetizing, your family will find their snacks somewhere else.

After you have found recipes you like, make a list of all the week’s meals, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and dessert. Use it to make your list of ingredients. Whittle that list into the things you actually need to buy, then you’re off to the races. (If you’re a coupon clipper, don’t forget them!)

Bring at least one helper to the market if you can. Kids will need lessons in label reading and price comparison. It may take a few trips until it sinks in, but persevere. Your goal is to teach them how to recognize the good from the bad. Be patient, and know that you are giving them valuable life skills.