I am appalled every time I go to the grocery store and see the total cost of my purchase. Even when I take the small cart or the hand basket, I seem to hardly ever be able to leave for under $100. As the shell shock of the grocery tally wears off, I think of all those people who depend on the grocery store for everything: vegetables, fruit, meats, dairy, snacks, drinks, breakfasts...I, who am fortunate enough to grow all my own vegetables and raise my own meats, find it hard to fathom what kind of bills everyone else is seeing at their local supermarket.
These excursions always inspire me to find ways to use more and save more at home. I thought I would share 5 simple steps you can take that would help decrease your bill the next time you have to buy groceries.
1. GROW YOUR OWN
As gardening season is in full swing here in Maine, I think about how much money my family saves by growing our own veggies. Though we have about 1/2 an acre in cultivation, we did not start with so much land or quite the diversity of crops that we enjoy now. Our first garden was a 4 x 8 plot outside our apartment where we planted one cucumber plant, a few tomatoes, a pepper plant and some fresh herbs. This small space helped to ease the amount of money we spent at the store and provided us with superior nutrition compared to the items shipped all the way from California or Argentina. If you don't have that amount of space, you can grow many veggies in planter boxes (peas, tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, herbs). Even growing a bit of your own food can help diminish the shock at the end of the conveyor belt.
2. BUY IN BULK
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Buying items in bulk can seem expensive at the time of purchase, but when spread out over all the meals or times of use, it really is a great deal. I think the biggest reason many don't buy in bulk is they feel they don't have the storage space for large amounts of food or other items (though the Sam's Club parking lot is always jammed when I go). If you can find the space for storage, buying larger quantities will, in the end, cost you less money. My family buys, household staples in bulk, such as toilet paper and tissues. We also, through membership in a food buying club, are able to buy food staples in bulk such as flour, rice, sugar and oatmeal.
3. MAKE A MENU
One of the most effective ways to save money at the grocery store is to not go everyday. Making a weekly menu before shopping and buying only the items needed to create those delicious meals is an effective way to save money. I try to make a weekly menu that takes into account what is seasonal, local and can be used in multiple ways. For example, if I cook a ham then I have 3-4 other meals planned with the leftovers.
4. USE LEFT OVERS
Which takes us to point 4, use your leftovers. There are a multitude of ways to use leftover meats from your dinner for lunch the next day. Use steak, ham, or chicken diced in a salad, or mixed with a bit of dressing for a sandwich. Keep the leftovers for dinner instead and make a soup, or casserole. Vegetables can be reheated for lunches or added to casseroles or soups as way to be recycled. And don't overlook leftover grains such as rice, quinoa or barley as a breakfast option.
5. CUT BACK ON PREPACKAGED FOODS
Perhaps the biggest impact on your grocery budget can be made by cutting back on the amount of packaged food you purchase and cooking with whole foods. Yes Minute Rice and Potato Flakes are quick and convenient but you also lose any nutritional value and help to contribute to an expanding waist line in addition to an expanding grocery bill. Try cooking brown rice, or even white rice if you prefer, without the 5 minute variety. Steam or saute fresh vegetables in a bit of chicken or vegetable broth instead of buying canned. Cut back on the amount of chips, crackers (our household downfall), soda and snacks by even 2 boxes a week and you will notice a difference at the register.
By implementing these small changes, I hope that you find that you too can diminish the sticker shock associated with grocery shopping. For ideas on how to use leftovers, and recipe ideas keep an eye on this blog, follow me on Twitter or Instagram and find me on Facebook.
Shelley Allen
Health Coach, MS OTR/L
or follow me on Instagram @shelley_allen24
or twitter @shelleyhealth1
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