I can't tell you how many times I've heard from readers who are stuck in the mindset that in order to be frugal at the grocery store, they have to eat a high-carb, low-quality, and basically unhealthy diet. junk food. On the contrary, maintaining a healthy diet is expensive and generally out of reach for most households.
Today I want to put an end to both myths by demonstrating that it's possible to eat healthy on a budget.
Don't pay list price for protein
Tuna, chicken breast, and lean beef trimmings are always sold somewhere. If you don't want to go store hopping, your favorite market always sells meat, fish, and poultry fillets.
If you eat bargains and it's a deficit leader (meaning something really cheap to get people through the door), stock up for the next few weeks.
Get items that are marked down so you can sell them right away and freeze them because the “sell-by” date is near.
Beyond chicken breast
A healthy diet is often considered boneless, skinless chicken breast. That's great, but chicken thighs are cheaper and have much better flavor.
Buying a whole chicken and cutting it yourself is more cost-effective than buying individual parts. Or, an even better alternative is Costco's $5 rotisserie chicken.
beans rich in protein
Black beans are a very affordable and nutritious protein option, costing about $1.50 per pound dry. It's also rich in protein and fiber, has no cholesterol, and has very little saturated fat, making it a great addition to a healthy diet.
Other types of beans such as pinto, cannellini, chickpeas, and kidney beans are also affordable and healthy. If you don't want to go through the overnight soaking process, canned beans are a convenient alternative at about 40 cents per serving. Use beans to make hearty soups, salads, chili, and a variety of delicious recipes.
bring eggs
Eggs are an affordable source of protein, currently costing about $3 per dozen to feed six people. Of course, if it's organic or free-range, the price will be a little higher. Despite long-standing concerns about cholesterol content, research shows that eating high-cholesterol foods is not necessarily harmful if they are low in saturated fat.
Eggs are low in fat and rich in nutrients, and can be used in a variety of meals other than breakfast. Paired with other nutritious foods, such as vegetable frittatas, soufflés, and strata, it provides a budget-friendly and healthy meal option.
buy carbohydrates in bulk
Look for warehouse clubs, ethnic markets, health food stores, and food co-ops that offer bulk rice, beans, oatmeal, nuts, and legumes by the pound. Store dried items in the freezer to maintain freshness.
shop by list
Impulse buying can put a huge strain on your budget and diet. Sometimes you arrive at the store hungry. Eat before you get there and stick to your list so you don't leave anything behind.
buy generic
Let go of brand loyalty. Shop for the best price, not the brand. Try our store brands. Most stores have a “satisfaction guarantee” policy. If you try something and it's terrible, ask for a refund.
Some generic items are the same as their brand name cousins, and some are pretty bad. You should be the judge.
don't throw anything away
Freeze leftover rice or leftover pasta in freezer bags. Store meat bones and scraps in the freezer to make stock and soups. The same goes for vegetables.
stick to boundaries
If you're on a diet or on a special meal plan, most of what you need is on the periphery of the typical grocery store (dairy, meat, produce), but high-calorie, expensive, highly processed items , located on the periphery of these grocery stores. central passage.
Don't pay for convenience
Pre-washed bagged lettuce and cut vegetables may be convenient, but they're expensive, three to four times more expensive than uncut items in bulk bins. Individual packs of things like oatmeal and chips are prohibitively expensive.
The way to ensure you get the lowest price is to shop at per-unit prices rather than package prices. When it comes to fresh produce, buying what's in season means you're getting the best price and highest quality.
control part
Eating more than the amount prescribed in your meal plan will put a huge strain on your diet and household finances. Take your time, measure and weigh. Before you pour your cereal into your bowl tomorrow, read the box to find out how much one serving of cereal is. Now measure the amount and put it in a bowl.
Does it look a little poor? With your “dumping method” he may be taking in 3-4 servings instead of 1 at a time. Oops.
Mary invites you to: EverydayCheapskate.com, this column is archived with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at .ask mary” This column answers general questions, but cannot answer them individually. Mary Hunt is EverydayCheapskate.coma frugal living blog and author of the book “Living with Debt.''
Copyright 2023 creators.com
