Grocery store shelves are full of temptations, and they are strategically designed that way so you’ll leave with full shopping bags and an empty wallet.
The average American family of four spends $771 a month on groceries, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and that amount can grow even higher if you frequently eat at restaurants or order take-out.
There are several strategies you can adopt to take a bite out of your food budget.
Shop with a plan – and stick to it
Bring a detailed grocery list of what you need with you to the store, and don’t stray from it. Plan ahead by scanning your weekly grocery sale ad and come up with a menu for the week based on what is on sale and what items you have coupons for. It’s a good idea to eat before you shop, even if it is just a light snack, so that you are not as tempted to buy snacks that are not on your list.
Avoid convenient foods
Stick to the outer perimeter of the store to stay away from the shelves lined with convenient foods. Spend your food dollars wisely by purchasing food that is nutritious and not simply full of empty calories. All the “extras,” like soda, chips and single-serving highly processed meals, add up quickly and aren’t healthy for you, either.
Make your own meals
Instead of eating out for lunch each day, make your own lunch and bring it to work with you. Lunches don’t have to be complicated; a sandwich and soup or salad is better is not only healthier than a trip to your local fast food restaurant, but it will save you money.
Buy produce in season
You may love eating strawberries, but if you eat them when they are out of season you’ll be paying a lot more for them. Your weekly grocery ad will list the fruit and vegetables that are currently in season, and they will be priced considerably less to ensure that they sell out of them. If you still can’t live without your strawberries, even in the dead of winter, consider purchasing frozen strawberries since the berries were frozen at the peak of freshness. You could also substitute canned or dried fruit.
Become a part-time vegetarian
Meat, fish or poultry can be the most expensive portion of your meals. Save money by using smaller portions of meat for your dishes, or choose to eat meat sparingly, opting for vegetarian meals a few days a week. Eggs are a nutritionally dense and relatively inexpensive protein source that can be eaten for any meal.
Buy in bulk
Save money on the food and other products you use regularly by buying them in bulk at a wholesale chain, like Sam’s Club or Costco. The most cost-effective way to purchase bulk items is to cook larger portions and freeze some of them for later, or send leftovers as lunch for everyone in the family the next day.
Plant a garden
If you have space for a garden, consider growing your own produce. Not only will your homegrown produce taste better than the store-bought variety, but it will allow you to freeze and can so you can enjoy your harvest throughout the year.
