Healthy Eating on a Budget

The cost of food is expensive to say the least. With people struggling to just put food on the table healthier choices are not high on the priority list. Then add in the fact that many areas still do not have decent stores with healthier options at reasonable prices. My first trip to the grocery store with my healthy list was a shock to the system. Here are some tips that were passed to me and a few that I have found along the way.

Will Travel For Food

I have found that when I travel to more affluent areas not only is the food fresher but it is cheaper. I know that might sound crazy but it is true. My healthier eating choices are greatly increased by going to a store that is outside of my normal shopping area. With that being said do not count out non-traditional grocery stores and the local farmer’s market. My favorite small grocery store is Sara’s Market & Bakery. Not only is the produce fresh but it is cheap whether you are buying by the bulk or not. Here is the information for Sara’s just in case you are in the area: 750 South Sherman Street, Richardson, TX 75081 (972)-437-1122

Price Match

Price matching is your friend. I sit down with all the weekly ads and I mark all the items I need. Then I cross check from store to store to see who has the lowest price. It will take a little longer at the checkout counter but it is worth your time and dimes. Especially when buying fresh fruits and veggies.

Coupons Galore

Collect coupons for your favorite items by signing up for coupons and updates from those companies and don’t forget to like their page on Facebook. I get loads and loads of coupons on the items I buy frequently. If you shop at a store like Kroger that has a reward card it records information about your purchases and you can get coupons that way as well. Get a coupon buddy or two that is willing to share or trade coupons. My sister and I do this often and it has been awesome for both of us. We never tend to run out of the same item at the same time. When perusing the grocery aisles make sure you grab all the random coupons. Even if I don’t need that particular item now I might later on.

Clearance Rack Heaven

I run for the clearance rack every time I hit the store. On a good week I can rack up on all kinds of things especially healthy choice items. For example i.e. Biggest Loser Protein Powder regular price $15.99 clearance price $3.19. Once mixed with ice and almond milk it tasted like a vanilla shake…YUM!!!! Everything from vegan to organic can be found in the clearance rack.

Know the Employees

In the stores I frequent the most I make it my business to get to know the employees in those departments. When you come into the store often and they get to know you they are always eager to tell you about specials, sales and markdowns.

Know When to Buy

Sometimes it is better to wait until certain items are in season and cheaper.  At the least maybe you can cut down on those items during off season to save a few dollars. This is especially helpful when considering fruits and vegetables. As it lends itself to the rotation of some of your options and will hopefully help you to increase your options. Eating the same things over and over again can get boring to the palate.

Do Not Over Buy

In the beginning I made this mistake often. I would load up on fruits and veggies only to have some of it to go bad before I could get to all of it. I would be so pissed off because I wasted my money. Waste not, want not is the motto.

Meal Planning

I know that meal planning may not be fun for everyone but it is a good habit to have if you can. Like so many other people in the world I have a tendency to go to the store and start picking up stuff I did not need. With the meal plan ready for the week I tend to stick closer to the desired list rather than buying a bunch of additional items. Honestly, I am not perfect at this strategy yet but I am constantly working toward it. Getting better at it each time is the way to success.

Home Gardens

With the increasing price of foods I know a number of people who are doing this right now. They have started their own gardens to reduce the cost of food. I decided to start with something small like some of the herbs I love to cook with on a regular basis.

Hopefully, some of these tips will help you along the way. I know that they have been a great help to me.