Kitchen Deelite

Budget-Friendly Shopping Tips

Eating healthfully can be expensive. The good news, however, is that with some careful planning, you can enjoy the foods you love without breaking your budget.
Here are five ways to cut down on spending at the grocery store:

Make a list. Before you hit the grocery store, know exactly what you plan to make for the next two or three days, or even the next week. Become familiar with your grocerystore circular to see what’s on sale, and make a list of foods you’ll need. Also, take advantage of coupons; you’ll be surprised at how much you can save if you make the effort!

Buy in bulk. While initially more expensive, bulk foods can often save you money in the long run. But be careful — if you’re buying fresh foods in bulk, make sure you eat them before they spoil. Otherwise, you’re wasting money.

Go for beans. It doesn’t get any cheaper or healthier than whole, dried beans. You can usually buy a one-pound bag of beans for less than two dollars. Beans can be used in soups, salads, chili, or as a side dish.

Shop at your local farmers market. The foods here are fresher than at the supermarket and can cost less in season (think zucchini and tomatoes!). Tip: If you’re on a tight budget, wait until the late afternoon to do your shopping — this is when you are likely to get better bargains, since many vendors prefer not to truck their produce back to the farm.

Opt for simple meals. One of the best ways to save money is to keep your meals easy. Serve grilled or broiled fish, meat, or poultry as the main dish, for example, with a steamed vegetable and a side salad. Make extra and use the leftovers for lunch the following day.