Grocery shopping on a budget, without going hungry? Is it really possible? You bet it is! It’s not only possible, but you may actually find the challenge to be fun. It won’t just happen without some planning, but if you put your mind to it you’ll be saving money and eating well–at the same time!
So let’s look at the ways you can go grocery shopping on a budget {without going hungry}. Are you ready?
How to go grocery shopping on a budget
Plan ahead
If you don’t have a plan set for your grocery shopping trips, that’s a recipe for disaster {i.e. spending too much}. But how should you plan? Perhaps the most important thing to do is know the sales going on at stores in your area. Check the ads, clip coupons, and plan your menus according to what’s on sale that week. It also pays to download your favorite grocer’s online app, where you’re sure to find weekly deals and insider coupons.
Make a list and stick to it
After you’ve checked the ads and planned meals, make a list of what you need. Take the list with you {how many times have you forgotten your grocery list?} and stick to it! Impulse purchases just make you go over your budget.
Try less expensive cuts of meat
Just because they’re cheaper doesn’t mean that those cuts of meat are going to taste terrible. You may need to adjust your cooking methods in order to tenderize them, but it’s worth doing. Some of those less expensive cuts of meat are perfectly flavorful when cooked appropriately. Do your research and find great recipes for things like chicken thighs, chuck roasts, and pork sirloin.
When there’s a sale on meat that is too good to pass up, build it into your budget and buy extra to freeze for later. Then make sure to use it up!
Shop seasonally
That means, buy those fruits and vegetables that are season rather than those that aren’t. Produce that is in season is less expensive and also healthy for you. When there’s a really great sale on seasonal produce, such as spring strawberries, buy extra and freeze them for later.
Finally, as you plan for your grocery shopping on a budget, be sure to keep an organized pantry. Why? So you know what you’ve got, what you need, and things don’t go to waste simply because you forgot you had them. Check out our post with tips to help you stop wasting food.
