Eating healthy doesn’t have to break your bank. Here are some tips and tricks to eating better on any budget.
Tips
1. Shop Around– Many grocery stores now have downloadable apps for your cell phone or their sale flyers are online so you don’t even have to leave your house to see what is on sale. Don’t drive all over town to save a few cents on one item because you’ll end up spending more money on the gas to do it, but if it’s a significant savings on multiple items then go for it. I know which stores I can get the best prices at and they are all relatively close to one another so it definitely cuts my cost on food down a lot when I shop a few different stores.
2. Plan Ahead– Once you have seen what is on sale for that week plan your meals for the week. Grocery stores always have a selection of different meats, vegetables, fruits, dairy, and grains on sale so plan all your meals or a large portion of them based off of what you can get on sale.
3. Make a list- The hardest part about making a list is actually sticking to it. It is very easy to see other things on sale, new products, or to want to get something that catches your eye, but soon you will be spending way over your budget because a few dollars here and there add up. If its not something you really need, don’t get it.
4. Buy in Bulk– If its a staple item that you always eat and its on sale for a great price stock up. The initial investment may seem like a lot, but you’ll be saving more in the long run. When the all natural chicken breast goes on sale for $1.99 a pound at my local grocery store, I purchase several packages of it, cut it up, and freeze it. This not only saves me money in the long run since it normally is around $3.99 a pound, but it also is convenient because I can take out a bag from the freezer, thaw it out, and its ready to cook. Local wholesalers also can have more affordable options, but keep in mind just because you are getting a lot of something doesn’t mean you are getting the best price.
5. Do Your Homework– Beware of great “deals” that aren’t really deals. Some stores will offer “lower” prices on bulk items, but you will end up paying more per pound or serving than you would if you didn’t buy it in bulk. Always check how much it is per serving, ounce, or per pound and compare prices. Also, sometimes stores mark up something to make you think you are getting a great deal when you really aren’t. I see this a lot with “buy one get one free” deals on meat. Sure you may be getting one for free, but would you normally spend $6.99 a pound on chicken breasts?
6. Cook Extra– Instead of just cooking one meal at a time make extra to eat the next day or for later in the week. If you are making a dish with chicken, make enough to put on your salad for lunch or add another cup or two of rice to the pot so you can have a quick and easy meal for later in the week if you don’t have the time to cook. Just reheat and eat. This will also reduce the temptation to buy food out because you will already have a meal waiting for your at home or to bring with you.
7. Shop the Edges– Typically your vegetables, fruits, meats, and dairy are all located on the perimeter of the grocery store. Only go in the aisles for the necessities like water, rice, peanut butter, etc. and stay away from the processed foods. (Eating them every so often isn’t horrible, but I try to avoid them for my daily meals.) Even “natural” or “organic” products can not be so great for you because of being overly processed so I try to stick to whole foods as much as possible.
8. Eat In– Instead of going out for dinner on the regular have a “date” night where you make something fun at home. I still do go out here and there, but daily it gets expensive. Save going out for once a week or for special occasions. It keeps going out fun and you can use the extra money you would have spent on one meal towards multiple meals.
9. Buy Store Brands– A lot of grocery stores sell their own version of all natural or even organic items at a reduced price so even if what you need isn’t on sale, you can still get a healthy version at a cheaper price.
10. Coupons and Reduced Price Items– There are many websites that offer printable coupons and if you subscribe to a mailing or e-mail list for a company they will often send you coupons for their products. Also, check to see if your local grocery store has a reduced price section. The produce or item may be nearing its expiration date or maybe just have a small imperfection, but it is still a good product at a lower cost.
11. Buy Frozen– Off season, fruits and vegetables can be very pricey and the quality not so great. I buy fresh as often as I can, but I do substitute with frozen. Frozen vegetables like green beans, peas, mixed vegetables and brussel sprouts are still nutritious, but at a much lower cost. For frozen fruits I often get blueberries (see my “Chocolate Proyo” recipe for a delicious treat), strawberries, and raspberries or blackberries. They also have frozen mixed fruit which is great for smoothies.
12. Buy Local- Depending where you live, most areas have a farmers market where you can get locally grown produce and locally raised meats. For some areas this is seasonal due to weather, but why not take advantage of it when you can to get the freshest products at low prices.
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Elena Michelle 