On occasion, I remember leaving a full cart because my stomach and my head were "spinning" and the pain was unbearable. I felt so weak that I thought I would pass out. I also remember that this ONLY happened once or twice.
But, grocery shopping can be a "bear" of a task for those of us with Fibro. Here are some options and ideas to help you out a bit if you're struggling:
- Some stores offer "delivery" service. In other words, you place your order online and then they deliver. I used this when I REALLY didn't feel that I could even look at the car much less get into it and drive, push a cart around or unload groceries. I had to only get the groceries in the fridge and left the rest for my hubby and daughter to put away or consume "right outta the bag"! :)
Another version of this, if you feel that you can drive, is that you put in an online
order and then you pick the items up at the store. The clerk will load them into
the car for you as well. This is what I used to do and it was about 10USD. Not sure if
that has increased. Haven't done it in over 6 years.
The "cons" with this are that it can cost you. At my last check it cost 15-20 USD for
delivery. Not sure what it is now. Make sure you ASK! Also, someone else is picking
out your produce and meat. I am really picky this way, as much as I can afford to be,
at least. Sometimes I would get "wilted" lettuce and sometimes I would get meat that I
would not have chosen. SO, if you are specific with your order, you can usually avoid
this. There is usually a "comments" section on the order form. Write in our specifics
and if they don't meet them, call the store, you might get a refund or a free item
next time.
- If you ARE up to venturing out, here's where I give a bit of financial advice. If you are like me and are on Long Term, Short Term, or Social Security Disability get rid of the mindset (even if you have a TON of savings or another money source), that you do not need coupons. USE THEM and use them the right way. First of all, make a list by going through your kitchen, pantry, fridge, and storage. Do not think, or fool yourself into thinking that your money will never run out. In this economy, I think (scratch that!) I KNOW, we need to be judicious with our money. No matter how much of a "cushion" you think you have. Emergencies arise....almost always when you least expect them. So, make that LIST and use THOSE COUPONS. When you get to the store, FOLLOW IT. Don't not impulse buy. You WILL end up regretting it. Those cookies with all of their great ingredients aren't really healthy after all.
- If you are married, ask your spouse to go with you. Or if you have a teenage (healthy and strong!) child/grandchild, they can help. Make it one of their chores. If you are purchasing a "case" of water, which I personally have stopped doing, but really anything heavy, will be their responsibility to lift and put in a cart. When I know that my spouse will be coming, I divide my list in two. The heavy and easy to pick out things he gets. I get the produce, meat, etc. which are those things that I, personally, want to see before putting it in the basket/cart.
- MOST, if not all stores have carts that are actually attached to power wheelchairs. Now, some people cannot deal with this. But I know some that use it and are glad that they do and finally gave in to it. Fibro friends, are we not beyond what people "think" of us? It's time to get over that. We have to do what helps us conserve our energy and feel our best. I have used wheelchairs, I have my own walker and, of course, a cane. Use whatever you need to get through things. If you use a walker, the cart can act as your walker. If you use a cane, bring it in with you. USE those things that help you feel better. We are not here to care about what other people think. GET OVER THAT, NOW!!! By the time you get home, you may actually have the energy to do something you enjoy. Reward yourself! :)
- I have seen ads in the paper and online (local) where people offer and ask for help in shopping. I used to shop for an elderly woman who couldn't get out during the winter. Either look for people who are looking to make a little extra money helping you get groceries. ALSO, your local church(es) may offer this service for free! Some churches can put ads in the bulletin asking for help and have the volunteer call you. So, check around. There are so many people out there that are retired and/or just willing to volunteer their time. I am one of them. Right now, I'm doing "OK" (relative term!). They may be going themselves and happy to add your items to their cart. REACH OUT, if you need it. Deep down, MOST people LOVE to help others. We all do!
Today is my shopping day. Funds are low. I am going to coupon like crazy (FOR ONLY THOSE ITEMS I NEED AND WILL USE, make sure you don't go overboard). But a little work on the front end, before you shop, makes the trip easier and less expensive.
Finally, I used to "impulse" buy way too much and it got me into a huge amount of trouble with debt, because by the end of the month I would to put my groceries on my credit card. I would have a rough doctor's visit or a bad day and think "I'm going to the most convenient store (which happened to be the MOST expensive in the area) and I'm buying whatever I see that's easy to cook." BAD IDEA!
You must plan ahead. Have a budget for food. Use coupons. Ask for help when needed and finally if you cannot go and can't afford the delivery service, don't go. I'm sure there is SOMETHING, a can of soup in your house that you can eat. Who doesn't have peanut butter or something else that can make a sandwich. Most of us have SOMETHING else in the house to eat if you simply cannot get out. Some days it's better just to stay home. Don't push and don't regret having gone out when you should have stayed home!
Be good to yourself...just as you would tell a friend to do. After all, are you not first your own best friend? Sure you are. Love yourself enough
Be good to YOU!
Blessings......and as always, your ideas are welcomed!
Mo M.
No comments:
Post a Comment