Bananas are healthy and affordable.
Shopping for healthy foods doesn't have to be expensive or difficult. With a bit of advance planning, there are numerous ways to save money at the grocery store and still please the pickiest of eaters. The following suggestions work for any size household. Creativity and variety are key when serving budget meals.
Make Menus and a Grocery List
There are several reasons to consider weekly menu planning. It allows use of food that is already in your freezer and pantry. Keeping track of these items by attaching an inventory sheet inside a cupboard and near the freezer is especially handy. Weekly planning allows you to incorporate sale items into the menu and gives you the opportunity to browse cookbooks and other recipe resources for new ideas. Buying only those products on your grocery list will eliminate impulse purchases.
Buy in Bulk
Buying in bulk saves money, especially when the items are on sale. The vast majority of foods including fruits, vegetables and other healthy items are typically available as bulk purchases. Even though your initial investment might seem expensive, you typically save money in the end. This is because a large package of product can be used in multiple meals, which brings down the cost per serving. Family members living in separate households often choose to split the cost of bulk foods as a money-saving alternative.
Shop Seasonal and Local
Seasonal and locally grown fruits and vegetables are a good value. This is especially true when they are purchased from sources such as farmers markets, neighborhood co-ops and individual gardens. Since many fruits and vegetables are in season during the summer months, take advantage of this by occasionally preparing one or two varieties of healthy salad in place of a main meat dish or casserole. Replace the proteins found in meat with eggs, beans, tofu and nuts.
Shop Around and Up and Down
Shopping the perimeter of the grocery store typically saves money. Most grocery stores are set up so that perimeter items include fruits and vegetables, breads and bakery items, meats and the dairy section. Sticking to the perimeter means that you will bypass the majority of convenience food, snacks and other prepackaged products that are expensive and lack nutritional value.
Store shelves are also set up so that the most expensive items are at eye level. Generic or store-brand items are usually located on the shelves closest to the ceiling or floor, where they are the most unnoticeable. It should be noted that many store-brand food products are made by well-known manufacturers and simply offered in generic packaging.
Tags: fruits vegetables, grocery store, planning allows, save money, saves money