She Strengthens

Grocery Shopping in the Age of Covid: How I Fell in Love with Whole Foods Delivery

As I reflect on my pre-pandemic Saturday morning routine, I’m reminded of the lengths I’d go to score a good deal on groceries. I’d wake up at 8, fuel up on coffee, and hit my favorite workout class strategically located near Trader Joe’s. After a 55-minute dance cardio session, I’d swing by Juice Press for a protein shake and then head to TJ’s, all before 10:15 am. My mission was to avoid shopping on an empty stomach and beat the crowds.

Fast forward to the present, and Covid-19 has turned my world upside down. Gone are the days of crowded workout classes and in-store grocery shopping. Instead, I’ve discovered the convenience and affordability of Whole Foods delivery through online ordering.

The Surprising Benefits of Online Grocery Shopping

At first, I thought Whole Foods would be out of my budget, but I’ve found that ordering online actually saves me money in several ways.

Easily Snag Deals and Discounts

With just a click, I can filter for items on sale and plan my meals around those deals. This is especially helpful for pricier items like proteins. I recently scored boneless, skinless chicken thighs at a discount, which inspired me to whip up some of my favorite recipes. I also love stocking up on pantry staples and perishable goods with a long shelf life when they’re on sale.

Meal Planning Made Easy

Online grocery shopping takes the hassle out of planning my meals. I can browse recipes and add the necessary ingredients to my cart in seconds. Plus, I can check what I already have at home to avoid duplicate purchases – a pet peeve of mine.

See the Total Add Up as You Shop

Sticking to a budget is crucial, and online shopping makes it easy to track my expenses. If I see my total creeping up, I can adjust my purchases to stay within my means. Do I really need that extra block of cheese, or can I make do with what I already have?

No More Impulse Buys

Shopping online eliminates the temptation of impulse buys that come with wandering the aisles of a physical store. I’m not lured into buying unnecessary items, and I can focus on sticking to my shopping list.

Competitive Prices, Even in NYC

I’ve found that Whole Foods’ prices are competitive, especially when compared to Trader Joe’s. Their 365 private label offers high-quality products at affordable prices. Take canned chickpeas, for instance – they’re 79 cents at both Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s, but the 365 brand is superior in quality.

Convenience Without the Extra Cost

Online grocery shopping has saved me time and money. I no longer need to factor in the cost of a pre-shopping smoothie or transportation costs. With Whole Foods delivery, I can shop from the comfort of my own home, in my pajamas, and have my groceries delivered with minimal extra cost.

While there are some drawbacks to online grocery shopping, such as occasional substitutions or bruised produce, the benefits far outweigh the cons. I’ve grown to love the convenience and affordability of Whole Foods delivery, and I don’t think I’ll be going back to traditional grocery shopping anytime soon.