We all try to eat healthier these days. We fill our carts with plenty of healthy fruits and veggies, as well as lean proteins and whole grains.
Trying to stay within your budget and eat healthy can be a challenge as food prices continue to rise. Prices rise for a number of reasons from droughts and harsh weather to the high price of gas used to transport food to the local supermarkets. What’s a person to do?
Shopping at a warehouse store can be one option. You might think you can only find boxed cereal or large bags of candy but you can also find salt-free trail mix and nonfat Greek yogurt, as well as organic produce in some warehouse stores. Share the membership price with a friend, by splitting the cost you both pay bulk prices without taking home large amounts of food that might go to waste.
If you find that you end up throwing away produce before you can eat it, reduce waste and buy frozen.
Buy fruit in season and look for fruits such as apples, oranges and pears in bags, which are often a better bargain than fruits chosen individually. Potatoes and onions are also available in large bags.
There are countless products that you can freeze. Bread, butter and even milk can all be frozen. Knowing what freezes well enables you to take advantage of sales and stock up.
If you don’t like to clip coupons register on a website such as couponmom.com or cellfire.com to get lists of the best deals at larger grocery chains. Be aware of the sales offered in your local market circular. Many supermarkets send e-newsletters to customers with info on weekly specials. Just go to the store’s website to sign up.
Plan a small garden this year. You’d be amazed at what you can grow in just a few pots around your house. Last year I grew lettuce in a large pot inside and was amazed at the quantity that was produced.
Prices may be rising but there are steps you can take to ensure that your money stays in your wallet while you are enjoying healthy meals.
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