Healthy Eating: How to Save Money on Groceries and Stay Healthy

With food prices on the rise, saving money on groceries should be on your priority list. Statistics show that the average American family spends as much as $164 a week on food. Many people complain that there's no way they can buy healthy food on a budget. The truth is that you can eat a nutritious diet while keeping your grocery budget low. Here are a few simple ways on how to save money on groceries while still eating healthy:

Create a Menu

Create a menu for what you plan to eat between shopping trips. This will limit the trips you make to the grocery store. There are various online tools that can help you create a grocery list for the week. When you go shopping, only buy what's on your list.

Remove Unnecessary Items from Your List

List all the places where you buy food, including the morning coffee shop, the popcorn counter at the theater, and the soda machine at work. Eliminate all except the essentials. If it's not on the list, then you obviously don't need it.

Cook Smart

Use the extra vegetables for stews, soups, and healthy snacks. Prepare your own dips and sauces. Buying pre-made sauces is far more expensive than buying the equivalent in canned ingredients. Save money by using tomatoes, herbs, and spices to create your own sauce. Most of the time you pay for convenience. Never buy small cut pieces of meat or cheese unless they are on sale. Purchase bigger pieces of meat and ask the butcher to cut them up for free.

Try Non-Branded Items

No-name brands of foods are often cheaper than renowned brands, but this doesn't mean that they are inferior. You have probably become so used to picking up the same products week in, week out, that you just wouldn't think about trying out the less expensive versions of the same items. Read the ingredient list and then decide whether you should spend a few extra dollars on branded foods or go for store-labels.

Browse the Ads Online

Knowing what's on sale will keep you from impulse buying. Before you go shopping for groceries, check your local stores weekly deals on the Internet. Plan your menu based on what's on sale. Stock up on products that you know you always need when they are on sale. Consider using coupons. You should also look for grocery stores that offer double or triple coupon incentives.

Healthy eating should be your main priority. Choosing the right foods can improve your overall health and give you the energy you need. For more tips on how to save money on groceries and cook smart, visit DSM Food.

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