Cynthia
Tik Tok is a platform for individuals and small groups to share expertise, experiences, and ideas in video form. People present challenges and those that catch on have a lot of activity – others commenting, trying the idea, or creating a similar but modified approach to the original post.
One such suggestion was by Chef Will Coleman. Chef Coleman presented a grocery shopping design in order to shop with intention. He believes subscribers will save money. He calls it the 6-5-4-3-2-1 method. Using this approach, a shopper will purchase 6 vegetables, 5 fruits, 4 proteins, 3 carbs/starches, 2 sauces, and 1 item for oneself.
This is a clever idea and people on Tik Tok have embraced the challenge. Chef Coleman does not mention the excellent nutritional value to this approach but focusing on vegetables and fruits above protein is a healthy way to eat. In addition, people have become adept at discerning vegetables and fruits.
For example, some people are including peppers, eggplant, olives, squash, avocado, cucumber, beans and some nuts in the fruit category, as technically a fruit is an edible plant with seeds. Starches is another category that lends itself to interpretation and might include potatoes, bread, rice, pasta, and cereal. In the protein category some are going for nuts and tofu in addition to or instead of poultry, beef, pork, and fish. When one thinks of food in this way, the variety is wide and the options endless.
Sauces could be prepared mayonnaise, catsup, or mustard or something more exciting such as a teriyaki sauce or pizza sauce. As for the 1 item for oneself, some people buy frozen pot stickers, ice cream, or supplement with additional pantry items. Possible combinations are up to an individual’s imagination.
The idea of the 6-5-4-3-2-1 method is admirable. However, to be useful and actually help save money, one must still shop judiciously. More importantly, one must have time and the creativity to cook. I have found the more I have cooked over the years, the more able I am to make a nice meal from ingredients I have on hand. But young professionals with budding careers and/or a small family may have more of a challenge.
For some, preparing a menu for the week and listing grocery items needed for that menu may ultimately save more money. Individuals need to think through the options Chef Coleman presents. Maybe his method combined with a predetermined menu will help meal planning, meal preparation, and enjoying dinner time without overspending on groceries.
Silver Sage Sisters 