Sticking to your shopping list helps save money.
Buying healthy foods doesn't have to mean spending a lot of money. Instead of eating out in expensive restaurants or even fast food restaurants, you can consume healthier, more affordable meals right from home. By cooking your own meals, you control the ingredients and the cost of your diet. Seven dollars per day will provide you with all the foods you need to create a healthy meal while staying within your budget.
Instructions
1. Make a shopping list by planning your weekly meals ahead of time. Look in your pantry and fridge to see which items you need to buy to make your meals.
2. Browse through the newspaper and through grocery store circulars to find sales and coupons that you can take advantage of.
3. Shop at wholesale clubs where you can purchase your food in bulk. Bulk products are cheaper in the long run. You get more product for your money than you do when you buy the individual products in the grocery store. Check the expiration date on the products of your choice and decide whether you will use them before they expire. Aim for products with long shelf lives.
4. Purchase frozen, dried or canned fruits and vegetables instead of their fresh alternatives to still get the same nutrients. Frozen items can be placed back into the freezer once the needed amount has been removed. Dried fruits are cheaper and have a longer shelf life, as do canned items.
5. Buy fruits in season if you opt for the fresh variety because it is cheaper.
6. Avoid throwing out leftovers. Brown-bag them for your lunch the next day so you don't have to spend extra money.
7. Look for store-brand items instead of name-brand items. Store-brand items provide the same nutritional value and are often less expensive in price.
Tags: grocery store, shopping list, your meals