Groceries On A Budget

GROCERIES ON A BUDGET

How many of us wonder how we should shop or where we should shop when beginning to lead a healthy lifestyle? Even those of us who have been eating healthy for a while now, need ideas and tips on eating healthy. We get so used to the same routine we don’t think to change up and try new foods and recipes. Let alone think about changing our grocery shopping routine. The important factor in grocery shopping is making sure we are purchasing what’s right for our individual bodies based on our own health. In addition to knowing how to balance a plate for the rookie health conscious on up to the elite athlete.

When making a grocery list, think about the meals you want to eat for the week and write them down. Grocery shopping for the week means you’ll less shopping trips and only purchase the items you need. Follow these basic tips for creating a weekly menu and grocery list:

1. Look in your freezer, cabinets, and refrigerator. Write down what you have on hand.This way you do not buy what you already have and save money by using the items on your list for the week’s menu.
2. Use a calendar other printed chart like google calendar or create your own worksheet and plan your meals.This will aid in figuring out what items you need to buy.
3. Write a list of recipes you’ve been wanting to try or eat again. If you own a few recipe books or are savvy with the internet, look up low-cost meals based on what you have in your fridge and cupboards, what your family likes, and foods that are good buys. Basically, shop and research by ingredients. There are several interactive cookbooks online.
4. Think about your schedule.Plan meals you can cook on your most active days. Such as 30 minute meals. Homemade or semi-homemade meals.

Organize your shopping with a list

The Basics:

• The list of weekly meals you created should be used to make a list of foods and beverages you will purchase. Remember your veggies, grains and fruits that probably will not be part of a recipe but are essential for healthy eating. That includes healthy milks like: almond, coconut or hemp milks.
• Use scratch paper and enter your pre made list into a computer doc or a free mobile app. I use my notes app on my cell phone.
• Always place an ongoing grocery list in your kitchen. somewhere you will notice it and remember to use it.
• To make your shopping less stressful, organize your list. As an example, I like to categorize my grocery list into sections of the store I hit first, second, etc. Make a section on your list for fruit. A section for veggies, etc.  

The savviest shoppers know saving money in the grocery store can sometimes be based on luck. This is why you plan in advance. Know the tricks of the trade when it comes to shopping healthy and on a budget. Having a game plan and being smart with your decisions before tossing items in your cart go a long way.

Stretch your dollar with these helpful tips:

1. Grub before you go. Don’t let your tummy lead you to impulse buying. Go shopping hungry, you forget about that list and you’ll end up overspending and buying unnecessary items.
2. Grab sales fliers. Flyer’s typically are available middle of the week. You can catch some pretty good deals. Even at your local health food store.
3. Coupons galore. – Only get what you know you will use. Don’t splurge just because you have coupons. You will overspend. defeating the purpose of the coupon.
4. Scan the shelves for savings. Scan the upper and lower levels of all shelves. The most expensive items are at eye level.
5. Check for store brands. Most stores offer their own brand of products that often cost less than name brands.
6. select from the rear. Grocery stores will stock shelves from rear to front, putting the newest items behind the older ones. For fresher items pull from the back. Especially for the produce, dairy, and meat sections of the store.
7. Let it rain checks. We’ve all encountered our grocers running out of our favorite item. No worries ask for a rain check. You can  pay the sale price after the item is restocked.
8. Be loyal. Try out your stores loyalty programs for bigger savings. Most stores offer a free loyalty program. This is a great way to receive more free stuff and special sales day offers.

Now that you have a plan of action, you are ready to shop. To get a bang for your buck, follow the tips above to save on your weekly and or monthly shopping trips.

Where can I shop?

Here are some helpful ideas:

Grocery stores Ethnic markets

Dollar stores Retail supercenters

Wholesale clubs Farmers Markets

Do not forget to ask friends and family where they shop for the best bargains.