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We’re back with part two!
4 / Eat less meat
We know meat is one of the most expensive items on our list. In addition to saving you money, prioritizing plant proteins can also give you a higher dose of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Below are a few ideas:
Beans are nutrient-dense and versatile. Sub them for meat (or go half meat & half beans) in things like tacos, soups, dips, etc.
Sloppy Joe’s: Sub half the ground beef or turkey with lentils, and freeze the rest of the ground meat for a future meal.
5 / Buy more frozen produce
If you frequently throw out fruits and vegetables, aka throw money away, opt for frozen options. Frozen produce is beneficial because there isn’t prep like washing and chopping, it can be stored longer, and it has the same nutritional value as fresh options.
6 / Cost saving vs time saving
Although our focus is on money, it’s important to acknowledge that our time is valuable, as well. You know, opportunity cost and what not. Sorry if this gave you Economics 101 flashbacks. There’s no right or wrong when it comes to making decisions based on cost versus time. It’s absolutely individualized based on budget, lifestyle, number of people in the household, preferences, etc.
Lower cost, more time | Higher cost, less time |
Washing & cutting produce yourself | Pre-diced frozen or fresh produce |
Shop at multiple grocery stores based on deals & prices | Shop at one grocery store |
Make your own breakfast bowls at home | Pre-made frozen breakfast bowls |
7 / Avoid getting sucked into the fads & trends
I could probably write an entire blog or two on this topic, but it’s especially relevant when it comes to money. I’ll give you a few examples:
Alkaline water: Proponents suggest that our bodies are too acidic, and alkaline water will adjust our pH and improve a number of health issues. The short story is that our kidneys and lungs tightly regulate our pH…otherwise we die. There is some evidence that it may help with water absorption in the gut, but for the average person, alkaline water is completely unnecessary.
Gluten-free: This does not apply if you’ve been diagnosed with celiac disease or have some type of immune reaction to gluten. Gluten-free products tend to, unfortunately, be priced higher. The bottom line when it comes to gluten-free: it’s not inherently “healthier”. Your body can handle carbohydrates and they are actually the main and preferred source of fuel for the body.
8 / Turn it into a game
This is for my fellow competitive folks out there. Make it a challenge to decrease your weekly and/or monthly grocery expenses. How much can you save in one grocery trip? *This is not a suggestion to shift towards a scarcity mindset and not buy things you want or need.* A decrease in spending could really be done with just one or two of the strategies we’ve discussed.
Do you regularly do any of these things? Were any of these strategies new to you? Let me know in the comments.
disclaimer
This blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment of health conditions, or a client/provider relationship. Always consult with your healthcare provider.
I find that if I wash and prep the vegetables and fruit when I get home from the grocery store, I'm more apt to use them and they do not go to waste.