10 Tips for Grocery Shopping with COPD

Carrying more than a few light items will cause me to become short of breath. Here are my tips for your next grocery trip.

There is one task that few of us can avoid. No matter if you’re healthy or live with a chronic illness like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), we all need to purchase food.

Shopping can be even more difficult for those of us with COPD. Stores are often very crowded, and many of us do our best to avoid crowds. My partner and I do not own a car. We live in a city with great mass transit.

But this added a challenge to grocery shopping when I developed COPD. Carrying more than a few light items will cause me shortness of breath, even though my local supermarket is just one street away from my home.

Even if I could manage to carry what I need, I’d still need to climb a flight of stairs to my condo unit. I bought a cart to put my grocery items in and wheel them home. Since we also use the cart to transport our laundry to the laundromat, we find ourselves buying a new cart every few months.

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Tips for grocery shopping with COPD

If ordering online doesn’t appeal to you, here are some grocery shopping tips I’ve learned over the years.

• Try to shop early on a weekday when the store opens to avoid crowds.
• Wear a mask if you can to avoid breathing in any germs and viruses circulating in the indoor environment.
• Consider carrying hand sanitizer.
• Invite a friend or family member along. It makes it more enjoyable, and they can assist you in carrying items.
• Use a scooter at the store, if available, for your convenience.
• Lean on a shopping cart to help with any shortness of breath you may experience.
• Allow an employee to pack your groceries for you. I usually give the person a small tip.
• If you don’t have a car, consider buying a wheeled cart to put your groceries in.
• Ask a grocery store employee or manager if someone can help load your groceries into your car.
• Request delivery or curbside pickup from your grocery store.

The perks of online shopping and delivery

I’ve found some ways to make shopping easier for me. We’re fortunate to live in a time when technology has made some things in our lives easier, like shopping — maybe too easy for people who really enjoy shopping. I don’t fall into that category. I find shopping one of the least enjoyable yet necessary tasks.

I get most things delivered. I love to cook, and while I’m picky about the quality of the produce and meats and was hesitant at first, I’ve been pleased with the quality of the items I receive. There’s also a pickup option if you want to drive and pick up your order.

Sometimes, when I place a grocery order, some items aren’t available. But they’re usually things I can easily pick up at a nearby store if necessary.

I’m also pleased with the variety of items available. There are times when I want to prepare a special meal, and I don’t settle for less than the best items.

Butcher shops, fish markets, or shops specializing in ethnic foods don’t typically deliver. If I’m purchasing more than just a few items, my partner or a friend will come with me, and we will stop for coffee or a bite to eat while out and about. These trips are such fun!

Subscription-based deliveries

I get most of my groceries delivered by Walmart. I joined their Walmart+ program, and there is no fee when you spend more than $35 dollars for your order. There is no delivery fee, and the tip is included.

My partner/caregiver is in good health, so he can meet the delivery person at the door and carry the items up for me. They also have an in-home delivery service. The delivery person will bring your groceries inside and put them away for you, if you wish, for a monthly fee.

I’ve also had an Amazon Prime subscription for many years. I pay a monthly subscription fee, but it’s been worth it for me. It also covers a music subscription. Everything is delivered to my door within a day or two.

I’m also able to save money on my three cats’ food and litter by ordering in bulk for the month. I’d never be able to carry a 16-pound bag of kibble or a 40-pound bag of litter. I also order hygiene products, soap, shampoos, toothpaste, mouthwash, etc., and occasionally cosmetics found at much lower prices.

I hope you’ve found these tips for grocery shopping with COPD helpful. Happy shopping!