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Trying to follow a nutritious diet within your budget?
Follow these 10 tips to help you cut the costs on your grocery bill while enjoying healthy and nutritious food.
Eating Healthy doesn't have to be expensive!
1. Make a plan for the week ahead
Planning your meals for the upcoming week is essential for cutting down on your grocery cost. Try your best to account for nights you might be home late, be traveling or have an alternative dinner plans. This way you don't end up throwing spoiled produce (which is a waste of food and money).
2. Make a list
Once you made your plan for the week, make a list! Check you pantry and fridge to see what you have already. Stick to your list and avoid being tempted to purchase other products that look appealing and enticing as these can add significant cost to your bill.
3. Stick to the store perimeter
Try to avoid shopping in the inner isles of the grocery store. These isles are where most packaged snacks, cereals, premade sauces, and other processed foods are, and they can easily drive up your grocery bill. Stick to the perimeter of the store, which generally include the produce area, the deli and dairy sections which are way better for you wallet and your health.
4. Buy whole foods
To lower your costs, choose whole fruits and veggies and chop them at home (as oppose to pre-washed/ pre-cut produce that might be convenient, but typically their prices are marked up).
5. Look for coupons
Coupons are another good way you can save money. Look for the good quality produce coupons and avoid the ones that offer discounted deals on junk and process food. Consider searching for coupons of items you purchase frequently in order to save money.
6. Shop for local, seasonal produce
In season food is often abundant, which mean it costs less.
7. Buy in Bulk
Consider buying dry goods, like rice, quinoa, nuts, seeds and spices from the bulk foods section, which tend to cost less than the same amount in a package.
8. Pick plant-base proteins
Beans and legumes are nutrient dense foods. They are high in minerals and fiber and are also inexpensive. They are filling and they serve as a great a addition to any meal. Moreover, dried bean and legumes have a longer shelf life.
9. Check out the frozen foods section
Consider buying frozen (and preferably organic) fruits and vegetables as they are generally less expensive. Since the fruits and vegetables get pack and frozen right after harvest, they maintain their nutritional values as well as they last much longer than fresh produce.
10. Compare unit prices
Compare unit price (the price per particular unit size) of the items as oppose to the retail price (the price you pay). This makes it easier to see what the better deal is between different sizes and different brands.
I hope you found these tips useful in helping you save you money on your grocery bills as you make better and more nutritious food choices.
Good Luck!