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.
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.
It's easy to slip into bad habits that can bust your budget, or waste your time, when you're not paying attention. Whole and bulk foods cooking can be done inexpensively when planned right. I was happy to have gotten a wake up call, which inspired me to reenlist better strategies to save 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. Check out store flyers for specials and adjust your grocery list. Save money by using your coupons. Also, plan your meals based on the season.
3. Avoid the inside aisles where most of the packaged, pricier (and least healthy) food is located. Shop the perimeter of the store for fresh produce, bulk, fresh and refrigerated items. If you haven't explored buying and cooking bulk bin foods, it's a great way to enjoy nutritious beans and grains for less than the cost of canned. They taste better too!
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. If you will prioritize your list according to nutritional content, you will be surprised how your budget will be stretched. Avoiding unhealthy food will not only save you from diseases, but also help you save a lot of money. Yes, this can be hard, but you have to limit low nutrient snacks and be aware of what you buy.
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.
If you will think of it, most strategies to keep you healthy also help you to save money. Always plan ahead. Deciding which food to buy based on their nutritional content and cost is a great way to make sure you are eating healthy 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.
It's easy to slip into bad habits that can bust your budget, or waste your time, when you're not paying attention. Whole and bulk foods cooking can be done inexpensively when planned right. I was happy to have gotten a wake up call, which inspired me to reenlist better strategies to save 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. Check out store flyers for specials and adjust your grocery list. Save money by using your coupons. Also, plan your meals based on the season.
3. Avoid the inside aisles where most of the packaged, pricier (and least healthy) food is located. Shop the perimeter of the store for fresh produce, bulk, fresh and refrigerated items. If you haven't explored buying and cooking bulk bin foods, it's a great way to enjoy nutritious beans and grains for less than the cost of canned. They taste better too!
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. If you will prioritize your list according to nutritional content, you will be surprised how your budget will be stretched. Avoiding unhealthy food will not only save you from diseases, but also help you save a lot of money. Yes, this can be hard, but you have to limit low nutrient snacks and be aware of what you buy.
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.
If you will think of it, most strategies to keep you healthy also help you to save money. Always plan ahead. Deciding which food to buy based on their nutritional content and cost is a great way to make sure you are eating healthy 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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