In dollars and cents this means that your monthly budget is probably stretching to accommodate this change. A tight budget means that something else will lack due to basic necessities such as home, gas and food costs.
Healthy Eating
The news is filled with reports on how to eat better food. Healthy eating is important for overall health now and as you age. America spends on average 10-15% of its take home money on food and that’s quite a big carrot on the string for healthy food manufacturers. Be careful that the foods chosen are actually truly healthy options. It is possible to eat healthy and not spend a small fortune doing it.
Tips for Eating Healthy
There are many little things that can be done to eat healthy and not increase grocery costs. In fact, it is possible to save money by following these easy steps:
- Make a shopping list. Most times when the shopping budget is surpassed, it's because of added items that are not on your list that may be ‘needed’ at some point. Plan out healthy menus in advance and add only the ingredients needed to the shopping list. Remember the rule of not going to the store hungry and only follow the list.
- Buy less fatty meats and prepare healthier meals that require seafood or lean chicken or turkey. Most of the time these items are priced less than beef and pork. Eating healthier will be more cost effective and the difference will be seen at the check out.
- Do not buy cereal. It doesn’t last long. Healthier foods such as oatmeal with fruit and toast or bagels are low in fat and will not break the bank. There are more servings from these types of foods versus a box of cereal.
- Crock pot meals can save help save time and money. A family can eat 2-3 days from one dinner cooked in a crock pot. The Internet is full of crock pot recipes that are tasty, healthy and inexpensive.
- Leave the donuts and pies at the store. Instead, select healthier snacks such as fruit and vegetables. Buying these items will save money and fat grams.
Ask a few friends to join a food co-op. The food can be bought in bulk and divided up between the families. These small changes will help reduce money spent on groceries. Small steps will reduce the grocery bottom line and not increase the waistline.
For more ways to save on your food budget read Simple Ways to Save Money and Stretch it Further and Save Money in the Kitchen
Kristin Peoples - As a writer, I enjoy putting creative words to paper. I love to write about a variety of topics. I am a professional freelance writer. You ...
