Even if you budget regularly and conscientiously for a long time, you may find that so-called impulse or spontaneous purchases creep in again and again. The best way to avoid such unnecessary expenses is to write a detailed shopping plan ahead of time. Ideally, having a blackboard or a chalkboard in a “central” place can help you write down the things you need when they come to mind. Another idea is to create a shopping list on your phone and update it throughout the week. In this way, you not only avoid repeated trips to grocery store but can also save time in the store. Another tip is to create a meal plan (breakfast, lunch, dinner, etc.) for the whole week. With this plan, you can quickly determine which foods are needed, make specific purchases, and avoid food waste. A weekly meal plan along with a Metabolic Balance food list can help give you a structure when going shopping. Finally, when meal planning or shopping try to pick produce that is currently in season and that can be bought locally. This is not only better for the environment but can also help you save a lot of money. With these tips in mind, happy shopping!