You don’t have to empty your bank account to fill your fridge. Although you may be facing it now. According to recent research, 83 percent of consumers see food prices increase in 2022. Paying almost twice as much for your regularly scheduled healthy groceries can put a serious damper on motivation to keep eating clean.
Your food choices don’t have to be fancy to nourish your body while trying to stick to a budget. “When trying to save money when grocery shopping, stick to your tried-and-true foods while still focusing on building your meals and snacks with a variety of food groups,” says Pike. If possible, include carbohydrates, protein, fat, and fiber at every meal. “It can look like pasta with meat and a chopped or roasted veggie on the side, or a basic salad with rice, poultry, and dressing,” adds Pike.
Most of the time, rice and pasta—two great complex carbohydrates—are usually served at reasonable meal prices and can be enjoyed as leftovers for other meals.
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Take inventory before going to the store (this reduces food waste)
“Part of the battle to save money on food is reducing food waste at home, so try to incorporate items you already have in your pantry or fridge as you think about what new items to buy,” Pike says. It looks like taking everything out of your pantry and writing down how much food you already have. Same with your refrigerators: Take note to avoid overspending.
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Plan to use your freezer
Items such as meat, poultry, seafood, bread, fruits and vegetables can be stored in the freezer to extend their shelf life. “In fact, when preparing a meal, consider doubling the recipe and freezing half for later,” advises Pike. While this is an extra step in the meal prep process, it will save you money and time, and your future self (and bank account) will thank you. Investing in a vacuum sealer when freezing foods can help keep food longer, preserving the flavor and texture of the food while saving space in your freezer.
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Don’t be afraid to use coupons.
That crazy coupon lady doesn’t seem so crazy anymore, does she? “Don’t be afraid to use coupons or shop (if accessible) at a few different stores,” says Pike. Simply, “take a few minutes to check out current coupons or deals at grocery stores near you and see if you can come up with some meal ideas based on what’s on sale.”
Thankfully, many stores now have apps where their coupons can be scanned with your phone at checkout or view daily deals for savings.
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Buy in bulk.
Buying in bulk may take up more space, but it saves money and saves on store visits. Rice, for example, you can buy a four-pound bag at BJs Wholesale Club (Organic) for about $8. Head over to the frozen fruit section and you’ll see the same. More bang for your buck and lasts a long time and hosts the same amount of nutrients for your body.
Saving money while maintaining a clean eating lifestyle doesn’t have to be stressful. Taking these steps and putting them into practice will give you more control over what you put into your body, and what you take out of your bank account.
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