Everyone wants to save money on
groceries these days. You may think eating healthy means spending more, but that's not always the case. Watching your weight
can go hand-in-hand with
watching your wallet. Take a few of these tips with you on your
next grocery run to help you save money on
groceries while you're losing weight.
Bean There, Done That!
Dried beans are an excellent value and they can be used in many ways -- as side dishes, on top salads, added to soup or chili, and as a main or extra ingredient in many recipes. Dry beans do require a little extra effort (namely, soaking overnight), so if you're in a hurry, pick up some canned beans. They offer the same nutrients with less work. Bonus Tip: Try using black beans to replace chicken in your favorite recipe. Black beans are fat-free, hearty, nutritious, and fiber-filled. And they're cheaper than chicken!
Preempt Becoming a Vending Machine Victim
The vending machine at your workplace or school is a money-drainer and a diet-decimater. The same foods are at the grocery store, but they can cost twice as much per serving in the vending machine. Plus, there are often few healthy choices in the machines. But don't splurge on those tiny packages at the store, either; buy full sizes of your favorite healthy snacks and decant single servings into zipper bags. Stash a variety in your drawer and you've got your own instant vending machine without the budgetary or dietary damage.
Veg Out in the Freezer Aisle
Certain types of fresh produce can be pricey during particular times of the year, so if your budget is tight, don't hesitate to buy frozen varieties. They are often just as nutritious, or even more so, than fresh fruits and vegetables. (Freezing preserves nutrients that can disappear as fresh produce rots.) Canned veggies and fruit are a good value too, but just keep an eye on sodium.
Dollars and Deli Meats
Looking for an alternative to a fast food lunch? Those cute prepackaged sandwich and wrap kits are tempting, but at around $3.50 each they're not nearly as cost-effective as buying sliced deli meats and rolls. Don't have a deli counter at your favorite market? That package of "deli style" sliced meats may seem pricey at first glance, but check out the nutrition label: You may find the servings per container average out to make each lunch a steal. I nab my favorite variety on sale at $2.50 which makes each serving only 60 cents! How many fast food sandwiches does the same price buy? Not even half of one!
Go for Grains
Many types of whole-grain breads are no pricier than white bread varieties these days. Even if they cost a little more, it's worth the investment. Whole grains are better for you than refined carbs and they will help you feel fuller longer than white bread and prevent overeating. Buying bulk grains from bins is also a very budget-conscious move.
Strike the Salad Bar
If you only need a small amount of a rarely-used ingredient, check the salad bar. The full-size ingredient may seem a better value, but if you never use it again, you've invested your money in nothing. And the only thing worse than not saving money in the first place is wasting money by tossing something you've already sunk your cash into.
The salad bar is also a good way to try a small amount of something new instead of buying more and finding out you don't care for it. Bonus Tip: Speaking of trying something new, I hear that Trader Joe's stores allow shoppers to sample some items before buying them, so if you live near one, take advantage of this policy!
Select a Smarter Sip
If you're going to shell out cash for a single-serving drink, choose a pint of low-fat or fat-free milk instead of soda. For around the same price as a half-liter bottle of soda, you can get in a diet-friendly, nutrient-packed beverage instead of a high-sugar, calorie-packed beverage.
Penny-Pinch in the Produce Aisle
Many stores mark down items like bagged salad days before their expiration date. Some stores will let you buy just half a melon or pineapple or to portion out just the number grapes you want into a smaller bag. It never hurts to ask. Bonus Tip: Warehouse clubs often offer better prices on produce than supermarket chains; nab a free pass and research the prices at your nearest club.
An Egg-cellent Bargain
I stock up on eggs on every grocery trip. I just can't seem to keep enough on-hand! At less than a quarter per serving, with a little creative thinking, eggs can become a budget-stretching staple of your diet from morning to night, like my favorite egg sandwich that works for breakfast, lunch and dinner: Take two slices of whole-grain bread, add just a few thin slices of lean ham, squeeze on some spicy brown mustard, and top with a scrambled egg and a slice of low-fat cheese. Grill on a pan with non-stick spray. Enjoy!
Save a Chunk of Change on Chunk Cheese
I always buy chunk cheese instead of shredded. Not only is it cheaper, it keeps longer (especially if you wrap it in wax paper). I'm all for extending the life of what I have on-hand instead of buying more, so if I can't use every last bit, I like to freeze what's left. I have had good luck freezing chunk cheese, but shredded cheese doesn't seem to freeze well.
