Food prices, like gas prices, have been on the rise for the last several years. These days, about 20 to 25% of a typical family’s budget goes to food and, depending on what kind of food you buy and where you buy it, you may be spending quite a bit more than necessary. With that in mind we put together yet another blog to help you save money on groceries. Many of these are new takes on old ideas but all of them will help you trim (pun intended) your grocery bill. Enjoy.
- Plan your meals once a week using the grocery store flyer in your local paper as your guide. Doing this will allow you to buy your proteins on sale as well as many other items that you can then use that week in your meals.
- Cut back on eating out. Did you know that in 1960 Americans spent about 20% of their food budget at restaurants but, today, that’s risen to nearly 50%?! Not only does restaurant food costs more it’s less healthy because it’s high in fat, sugar and salt.
- Nearly half of all Americans drink at least one soda every day. Not only has this been a factor in our obesity epidemic it also means that future health care costs are going to skyrocket. Cutting down on soda could very well mean extending your life and vastly decreasing future health care costs in the US.
- When buying produce, buy whole, uncut produce instead of prepared. This will save you money and only increases prep time by a few minutes.
- Cut down on red meat. It’s not particularly healthy and it’s very expensive. It’s also incredibly bad for the planet in many ways and the protein that red meat offers can easily be replaced with other, cheaper and more nutritious items.
- Many home essentials are cheaper at pharmacies and superstores like Wal-Mart rather than your local grocery store. Do your homework and buy them where they are cheapest.
- Only buy fruit that is in season and farmed locally. It’s not only healthier it’s much less expensive.
- Using a shopping list has been scientifically proven to lower your grocery bills if you stick to it. There are a slew of mobile phone apps on the market that can help you with this so download one today and start using it.
- Want to reduce the waste of spoiled food? Go shopping more frequently and buy less fresh food at a time. This way it won’t have a chance to ‘go bad’ because it will be eaten much more quickly.
- If you have space, start your own fruit and vegetable garden. For a fraction of the cost you’ll get organic, delicious produce and a real feeling of satisfaction too.
- At least once a week go through your refrigerator and see what items need to be eaten before they spoil. This will also help you to keep from buying something that you already have because it was hidden in the back of the fridge.
- Only purchase organic food if you’re going to be eating the exposed skin. For example, organic grapes are a good idea but organic bananas are unnecessary since you will be tossing away the peel away completely. Avocados, potatoes and other fruits and vegetables that you will peel before eating are the same.
We hope you found our little blog delicious and that it helps you to lower your grocery bills. Make sure to come back soon as we are always cooking up excellent blogs that will serve you well and save you money. See you then.