March is National Nutrition Month. There are so many components that go into nutrition, but for the purpose of this blog, we will be focusing on family budget tips to feed your family and yourself.
When visiting the grocery store, you may feel extremely overwhelmed. There are numerous tactics that go into how grocery stores are laid out because they want to entice their customers with impulse purchases. If you are sticking to a budget, you want to make sure to follow the below tips and tricks to stay on track.
Lookout for Expensive Items
- Meat can often be a big ticket item—substitute with plant-based alternatives from time-to-time to decrease spending
- Avoid convenience foods such as pre cut vegetables, fruit, or even single-serve packets—they rack up the prices due to convenience but you can simply create them on your own
- Avoid produce that is not in season
Experience the Savings
- Keep an eye on specials and incorporate them into your weekly menu
- Canned and frozen options have reasonable prices and make a great staple
- Cook weekly and meal prep instead of visiting fast food places or restaurants
Have a method
- To save money at the store, be intentional with your grocery list and meals for the week, etc.
- You need to be organized and stick to the list without being vulnerable to the impulse buys
- Don't forget not to waste food either by purchasing too much
Meal Prep Saves the Day
- Always check your food options in your house before making your grocery list
- Practice the "first-in-first-out" food rule to avoid waste
- Create menus for lunches and dinners that incorporate overlapping ingredients
Overall, it is not as complicated as one may think to meal prep and save money at the grocery store. While you have to be organized and determined, it is worth the savings!
For more detailed information, visit eatright.org
