June 19, 2025 Making lists helps planning and fulfilling tasks in a more efficient way. But to do so, the list must be drawn properly. By topics, priorities, days of the week, all depending on the goal. In the case of grocery shopping, to draw a well-organized list is a habit very easy to implement and bringing multiple benefits, some of them not immediately obvious. Products by groups and order of shopping To draw a shopping list by groups corresponding to the way the supermarket is organized is a clear contribution to save time , for it avoids running in circles. It is also less likely to get repeated products, which is common when we keep adding things to big lists, as we recall what else is needed… The main groups of products in a shopping list may be, for instance: Household cleaning products and utensils Personal hygiene products and utensils Grocery products (rice, pasta, flour, olive oil, canned goods, coffee, tea, sugar and sweeteners, dry seasonings, etc.) Water and non-refrigerated beverages Milk and dairy products and fresh eggs Bakery goods Fruits and vegetables Refrigerated items Frozen goods This ordering is intentional . In fact, because shopping should happen in an ideal order. The contribution for the quality and safety of food is the main benefit, which probably we do not even recall. Leaving refrigerated and frozen goods for last contributes to protect their quality and safety, since they will stay out of the ideal conservation conditions for shorter time. This way, the probability of deterioration or contamination is minimized and health protected. Many supermarkets are organized in the same sequence of product groups, in which case the shopping task will be made easier. But this is not a rule, since the more time you spend in the supermarket, the more prone you will be to get unnecessary items. In such cases, the advice is to follow the order of shopping and resist temptations, even when it means going a little further (which is positive for you exercise a bit). More balanced meals and less waste Drawing a list implies planning : knowing what you have at home, what is necessary, and planning ahead the family meals. This way, you can promote a more balanced diet and avoid last minute improvisations, often less healthy. Moreover, when you know exactly what you need, you can avoid duplication and waste, particularly with perishable goods that when in excess end by deteriorating. Avoid the unnecessary, but seize the opportunities The shopping list is a guide helping you to stay focused on what is really needed and avoid unnecessary purchases. Without a list, it is easy to fall into the temptation of impulse buying, especially when you are exposed to promotions and appealing products. However, a shopping list should also consider getting spare products to substitute those that run out, mainly cleaning products, hygiene items and groceries. Always having a reserve stock avoids unexpected trips to purchase something lacking and, naturally, enables you to take advantage of promotions and reinforce the pantry . T herefore, making a list does not mean ignoring promotions, but seizing them strategically . Knowing what is necessary and what might be useful as spare product, makes it possible to take advantage of discounts on products that really matter or with extended expiration dates. Family contribution In the implementation of this more effective and conscious household management, the whole family should be involved, even the children . Simply leave the list at hand, explain the principles, and validate. It will be a contribution to learn how to make good diet choices and minimize waste, as well as developing responsibility and autonomy. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
