Sometimes it seems that your grocery bill each month grows and grows. It’s true. Eating healthy can be expensive, especially in today’s economy.
However, it really doesn’t have to be. You can still eat healthy and cut your grocery bill. Here are a few simple strategies to eat healthy and well on a shoestring budget.
Eating Healthy on a Shoestring Budget
1. Plan Ahead
There’s nothing worse for the budget than going to the grocery store for tonight’s dinner. Because you’re tired, rushed and probably hungry, you’re likely going to buy whatever is easiest. This isn’t cost effective. Instead, plan ahead. Make a list of breakfast, lunch and dinner meals on the weekend. Choose recipes and make sure you have the ingredients. If not, add them to your list. Once you get to the store, shop from your list. If you deviate from your list make sure it makes sense to do so.
2 Use the Store Flyers
The store supplements are often found in the free flyers in your mailbox or online. Before you make your weekly shopping list, grab a copy of the store’s weekly advertisement. Use the ad to plan your meals and create your shopping list.
For example, if apples are on sale for a dollar a pound, then you know you’re having apples this week. Maybe keto apple pancakes or low-carb apple bread for dessert.
3 Stock Up
Many things freeze well. You can save tons of money each month if you stock up on sale items and freeze them.
Bread, for example, can cost five dollars a loaf. If you find it on sale, then buy several loaves. Chicken and other meats often go on sale too.
Buy in bulk. Buy family packages. You can separate them at home into smaller meal-sized portions. Place them in freezer bags. Label the bag so you know when you bought it and what it is.
4 Visit the Butcher
Sometimes, you can save as much as 50% on your meats if you buy them from the local butcher. Visit yours and compare prices.
5 Visit the Farmer’s Market
If you have a farmer’s market in town, visit it and compare prices. Often, because the produce doesn’t have to be shipped and is local, you can save money, and the produce generally tastes wonderful. Make sure to use it as soon as possible as it will have not preservatives.
6 Buy What’s in Season
If you’re trying to buy apples in May you’re going to pay more for them than in August and September when they’re in season. Buy your fruits and veggies when they’re in season and save money. Some freeze well or you can preserve them too!
7 Shop Smart on Meat
Certain cuts of meat can be expensive but you can shop the sales and save. Sale on ground beef? Make a meatloaf that can be sandwiches tomorrow. Find a restaurant supply and by meat in bulk to freeze.
Did you know that beans and rice are a complete protein? How about a Chili and Rice dish? Eggs are a great substitute for meat, like an omelet or a fried egg sandwich.
With a little advanced planning and some thought you can feed your family really well and still save money. Pay attention to what’s on sale. Plan ahead. Shop for whole foods. And cut back on the filler items like processed foods.
Hi! I’m Chris! Just a Midlife Wife sharing about life’s journey; screaming and kicking through it while supposedly aging gracefully…
Focusing on healthy living, low carb & keto, things I am loving right now, and life in general.