Every year, it feels like life becomes busier and more demanding, and since the coronavirus pandemic, much has changed. As a result, it's an ideal time to rethink how we do many things, including grocery shopping. If you aren't yet shopping online, test the waters with an order to a specialty grocer like an Asian market and see what you think. More than a few people tried virtual food shopping in the early days and were turned off by the complexity of the websites in existence at the time. Since then, much has improved, and you'll be impressed by how much easier it has become. Try it soon to see for yourself.

Buying groceries online is a great way to stock your pantry with packaged foods that are easy to identify by their brand names and heavy to lug home. When you place an online order and have a delivery direct to your doorstep, it's a time-saving convenience. If you're organized and truly stock yourself up for the next couple of weeks, then your in-person shopping trips can be devoted to buying the fresh foods that are a pleasure to buy and bring home. There is no glory in hauling home canned and bottled products and multi-packs of paper products. Smart shoppers use the online delivery model for heavy items.

Any products you purchase routinely (restocking) are the wise ones to buy virtually. Convenience and prices are the only considerations because they are the same no matter where you buy them. When you think through simplifying your life, any task you can automate that is repetitious makes your life easier. It also frees up your time to do more enjoyable things. Once you get into a groove of routinely ordering from a virtual food store, you'll become faster at the process. Many sites now have quick-pick functions that allow you to reorder items you've purchased previously with few clicks.

When you plan your meals in advance, there's a better chance you'll eat healthier and spend less money. Few good eating decisions or wise financial moves are made at the spur of the moment. When your pantry is well stocked, it gives you options and helps you stay on track. It's why dietitians and others make a strong case for shopping and planning meals ahead. If you're trying to eat healthier, home-cooked foods that allow you to control the ingredients are the best option. Following that thought, it's better to put them together with items from your pantry that you purchased to meet your dietary needs.