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.
You read that right. I, who advocates for healthy eating and planning ahead, used to rush to the grocery store to buy one thing at a time. During those times, I was throwing away more money than I would if I had planned 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. Use a list when shopping. A shopping list will save you from going back to the grocery because you forgot something. Thus, this list will help you save money. US News said that writing a list and sticking to it will not only stretch your budget, but will also save time and gas. Before creating a list, you should do an inventory so you won't miss out on 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. Don't go anywhere near the inside aisles. Most unhealthy food items are located in this section. Stay close to the refrigerated area, fresh produce section, and bulk items. Nutritious beans are also great options compared to the canned ones. They also taste better.
4. Avoid stress shopping. Never go to the grocery store when you are hungry or stressed. Stress can cause impulse buying. Thus, it is wise to sit down for a while and don't let your emotions control you. Shop when you feel better.
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. Reduce the amount of meat in your diet. Meat tends to be the costliest part of the average meal, and it's easy to meet your protein needs less expensive and healthier choices. Beans are the most cost-effective protein source available, and with so many delicious ways to prepare them, they make a terrific alternative.
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!
You read that right. I, who advocates for healthy eating and planning ahead, used to rush to the grocery store to buy one thing at a time. During those times, I was throwing away more money than I would if I had planned 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. Use a list when shopping. A shopping list will save you from going back to the grocery because you forgot something. Thus, this list will help you save money. US News said that writing a list and sticking to it will not only stretch your budget, but will also save time and gas. Before creating a list, you should do an inventory so you won't miss out on 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. Don't go anywhere near the inside aisles. Most unhealthy food items are located in this section. Stay close to the refrigerated area, fresh produce section, and bulk items. Nutritious beans are also great options compared to the canned ones. They also taste better.
4. Avoid stress shopping. Never go to the grocery store when you are hungry or stressed. Stress can cause impulse buying. Thus, it is wise to sit down for a while and don't let your emotions control you. Shop when you feel better.
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. Reduce the amount of meat in your diet. Meat tends to be the costliest part of the average meal, and it's easy to meet your protein needs less expensive and healthier choices. Beans are the most cost-effective protein source available, and with so many delicious ways to prepare them, they make a terrific alternative.
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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