Just because our money doesn’t buy as many (recycled) bags of groceries as it used to doesn’t mean that we can’t still eat economically and healthfully. Record-high food prices and still-painful gas prices mean we just need to be smarter about the kinds of things we put into our shopping carts – and our bodies. Here are nine ways to cut your food bill without sacrificing your health:
- Know what things normally cost. How will you know if the advertised “sale” price is truly a bargain if you don’t know the normal price? Just because it’s on SALE doesn’t mean that it’s much cheaper than usual.
- Stock up on private label. These products have come a long way from the “generics” that were available when we were growing up. They cost significantly less than national brands, and they range from low-end value brands to specialty organics. In fact, many of the private labels are made exclusively for that store by the national manufacturers.
- Buy in bulk…sometimes. Larger packages typically cost less per unit (but not always so double-check before buying), so buy the things you use most often in bulk – but only if you know you’re going to use it.
- Cook more meals at home instead of eating out. This is pretty much a no-brainer, but many of us tend to overlook the obvious. While the allure of at $0.99 menu may be enticing, for every buck you save, you’ll add a pound to your waist. There’s no cheaper way to eat healthy than to prepare meals at home.
- Ditch the refined foods. Buy more whole grains, unrefined, unprocessed foods. Whole grains might be slightly more expensive on the shelf, but the benefits you will reap far outweigh the extra pennies. Want to know more about this? Join in on our FREE teleseminar: Back to Basics.
- Trade down your proteins. Switching to the fattier cuts of meat certainly won’t make you healthier, so consider trading “down” (which is actually UP) to more plant-based forms of protein. Increasing your whole grains, beans, nuts and vegetables (Yes, they have protein!) while reducing your meat will have a positive impact on your grocery bill and your ticker.
- Clip more coupons. You don’t have to become an extreme couponer to gain value at the register. Look for coupons on the products you use the most, but be selective. Processed foods high in fat, sodium, and sugar often have the most coupons.
- Buy in season. Produce will always be less expensive, more plentiful and at teh peak of its flavor when it’s in season. We can’t stress this one enough. Always buying the same fruits & veggies, regardless of the season, is a surefire route to a BIG grocery bill. Experiment, and find options you enjoy for every time of the year.
- Use your freezer. If you find something healthy on sale, stock up! Foods that don’t normally freeze well can be cooked first and then frozen. Not only will you save money, but you’ll have your own healthy “TV dinners” at your fingertips.
*Some items are revised from original source: The Plain Dealer. 12/24//11 – Section C1
