After chatting with a friend recently, I was shocked about the crazy grocery cost. Yes, even those who rely on whole and bulk food cooking are not exempted. We all have the same shopping habits, but I realized I haven't calculated my monthly spending for quite some time. The shock came in when I sum it up. The money I spent on grocery shopping was 25% more than the usual. I was curious so I reviewed the numbers. I was surprised to realize how many store trips I made over the past weeks.
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.
If you are not focused, it is very easy to develop a bad habit of wasting money or time. Whole and bulk food cooking can be cost effective when planned correctly. I was very happy when I got the wakeup call. Now, I am more inspired to create better strategies in saving time and money. How?
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. 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. Limit your meat intake. Meat is the costliest part of a meal. You can meet your protein needs by eating healthier choices and less expensive food. For instance, beans are among the healthiest and cost effective food groups that can provide you the protein you need. Not only that, there are numerous and delicious ways to prepare them.
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.
If you are not focused, it is very easy to develop a bad habit of wasting money or time. Whole and bulk food cooking can be cost effective when planned correctly. I was very happy when I got the wakeup call. Now, I am more inspired to create better strategies in saving time and money. How?
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. 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. Limit your meat intake. Meat is the costliest part of a meal. You can meet your protein needs by eating healthier choices and less expensive food. For instance, beans are among the healthiest and cost effective food groups that can provide you the protein you need. Not only that, there are numerous and delicious ways to prepare them.
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 is the Author of Beanalisious Living. Her goal is to educate, inspire, and offer easy ways to cook towards a healthy lifestyle. Visit her site at www.ElizabethBorelli.com.
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