Smart planning ensures family meals are joyful, not stressful.
Many families find that careful management of the food budget is an important way to save money, but it is difficult to know where to begin. Frugal living is relatively simple in the kitchen. A bit of planning and preparation will allow you to provide your family with healthy, nourishing food without overspending.
Plan Ahead
Plan your meals ahead, whether three or four days, a week or even a month. Plan ways to use leftovers, and consider what's in season or on sale at the grocery store. Go online to find coupons for your key ingredients (just search for the food item and the word "coupon"), then hit the grocery store only for what you need.
Quality First
Get the most nutritional value for your shopping dollar by choosing fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Stay away from processed foods and junk foods as these tend to be expensive and have no benefit to your health.
Less Meat
Big portions of meat at every meal can add up quickly. Lower your meat consumption with smaller portions and alternative protein sources, such as beans, nuts and eggs.
Cook From Scratch
Make as much of your food from scratch as you can. Use time savers like a slow cooker or a pressure cooker, or consider making meals ahead and freezing them. Keep your meals simple, and choose high-quality ingredients to create enjoyable, inexpensive dinners.
Use What You Have
Plan to use leftovers, or freeze portions for quick meals on the go. Eat the fastest-spoiling produce first, and take advantage of frozen options that last longer. Wasted food is wasted money.
Tags: grocery store, meals ahead, your meals