I had a bit of a shock recently after a chat with a friend about the crazy cost of groceries, even for those of us who rely upon whole and bulk foods cooking, which can often by less expensive. Yet the frighteningly high number my friend dropped struck a chord. We share similar shopping and eating habits, and I realized I wasn't keeping track of my monthly spending. So I added it up, which is where the shock came in. My grocery spending had increased more than 25% since the last time I'd reviewed the numbers. The bigger surprise though was just how many trips I was making to the store each week.
Yes, you are right. Even I, who advocates planning ahead and eating healthy, used to go to the grocery store every time I need something. I realized I was spending way too much than I would if I was able to plan ahead.
Focus will save you from the bad habit of spending too much money and time. Whole and bulk food cooking should always be cost effective, so you have to plan correctly. I felt relieved when I had that wakeup call. I came up with more strategies in saving money and time. How do I do that?
1. Bring your shopping list. Cut down your grocery trips and save money by using a shopping list. According to US News, creating a grocery list will stretch your budget and helps you save more resources like gas and your valuable time. Check your inventory before creating a shopping list so you will not forget anything.
2. Review weekly flyers for store specials and adjust your shopping list accordingly. If you have a simple coupon system (an envelope in your purse with the items you have coupons for listed on the front for example), use it. Produce is always cheaper (and fresher) in season, so plan your meals based on that.
3. Stay away from the inside aisles, where packaged, less healthier, and more expensive food options are located. Stay close to the fresh produce, fresh, bulk, and refrigerated items section. Get rid of canned beans and grains. Nutritious beans are more cost effective. Plus, they taste better.
4. Don't shop when we're hungry or stressed. Stress can cause the impulsive part of your brain to take charge, which is when impulse buys tend to happen. It's worth it to sit for a moment and take some time to regroup before you enter the store to avoid making impulsive decisions.
5. Prioritize your shopping list according to nutritional content and you will be happy to have your budget stretched. Limiting food with high calories will save you from deadly diseases and save your money too. I know this is hard, but be mindful of what you buy and their nutritional values.
6. Don't eat too much meat, as it is the costliest part of every meal. You can get your protein needs by eating beans and food groups with high protein content. In fact, beans are excellent meat alternatives. They are cost effective and you can come up with hundreds of delicious recipes.
7. Save your leftovers. Cook twice the amount of food that you usually prepare and save some for later. Store the leftovers in individual serving containers to create fast lunch options. Bean and grain dishes freeze well and thaw easily for quick use.
As it turns out, many of the same strategies designed to help you shop more healthfully also work to save you money. Planning ahead is always key. Deciding in advance which foods to purchase based on nutritional content and cost is a smart way to ensure you're eating healthy and within budget every day!
Yes, you are right. Even I, who advocates planning ahead and eating healthy, used to go to the grocery store every time I need something. I realized I was spending way too much than I would if I was able to plan ahead.
Focus will save you from the bad habit of spending too much money and time. Whole and bulk food cooking should always be cost effective, so you have to plan correctly. I felt relieved when I had that wakeup call. I came up with more strategies in saving money and time. How do I do that?
1. Bring your shopping list. Cut down your grocery trips and save money by using a shopping list. According to US News, creating a grocery list will stretch your budget and helps you save more resources like gas and your valuable time. Check your inventory before creating a shopping list so you will not forget anything.
2. Review weekly flyers for store specials and adjust your shopping list accordingly. If you have a simple coupon system (an envelope in your purse with the items you have coupons for listed on the front for example), use it. Produce is always cheaper (and fresher) in season, so plan your meals based on that.
3. Stay away from the inside aisles, where packaged, less healthier, and more expensive food options are located. Stay close to the fresh produce, fresh, bulk, and refrigerated items section. Get rid of canned beans and grains. Nutritious beans are more cost effective. Plus, they taste better.
4. Don't shop when we're hungry or stressed. Stress can cause the impulsive part of your brain to take charge, which is when impulse buys tend to happen. It's worth it to sit for a moment and take some time to regroup before you enter the store to avoid making impulsive decisions.
5. Prioritize your shopping list according to nutritional content and you will be happy to have your budget stretched. Limiting food with high calories will save you from deadly diseases and save your money too. I know this is hard, but be mindful of what you buy and their nutritional values.
6. Don't eat too much meat, as it is the costliest part of every meal. You can get your protein needs by eating beans and food groups with high protein content. In fact, beans are excellent meat alternatives. They are cost effective and you can come up with hundreds of delicious recipes.
7. Save your leftovers. Cook twice the amount of food that you usually prepare and save some for later. Store the leftovers in individual serving containers to create fast lunch options. Bean and grain dishes freeze well and thaw easily for quick use.
As it turns out, many of the same strategies designed to help you shop more healthfully also work to save you money. Planning ahead is always key. Deciding in advance which foods to purchase based on nutritional content and cost is a smart way to ensure you're eating healthy and within budget every day!
About the Author:
Elizabeth Borelli encourages people to eat healthy. Her new book, Beanalicious Living, is designed to educate and inspire people to have a healthier lifestyle. Know more about her and visit her site at www.ElizabethBorelli.com.
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