In today’s world, where prices seem to be on an eternal uphill climb, who doesn’t want to save a few bucks at the grocery store? It’s all about being smart with your choices and knowing a few insider hacks. Use these 10 tips to help you beat the high prices and keep some hard earned money in your pocket.
Frozen Veggies for the Win
Fresh veggies are great and all, but they can hit your wallet hard, especially if they’re out of season. Enter frozen veggies: your budget’s best friend. They’re just as nutritious, often cheaper and they won’t go bad in two days. Perfect for those ‘I don’t feel like shopping’ weeks.
Unit Price Detective
Ever notice those tiny numbers on price tags? That’s the unit price, and it’s like finding the secret code to shopping smart. It tells you the cost per ounce, pound, or liter. So, next time, a little math can really help you spot the real deals from the not-so-great ones.
Plan It Out
Ever find yourself wandering the aisles and grabbing random stuff? Yeah, we’ve all been there. Making a game plan with a list is a game-changer. Having a plan can help you dodge those impulse buys and get just what you need. Plus, you’re less likely to end up with a fridge full of ‘what was I thinking?’ items.
Protein Swap
Love your meat but don’t love the price? Get adventurous with beans, lentils or chickpeas. They’re not just for vegetarians – they’re cheap, full of protein and can make your meals stretch further. Plus, it’s kind of fun to mix things up and try new recipes, right? This bean soup is easy, hearty, filling and cheap!
Shop Your Pantry
Before you hit the store, check what you’ve already got. It’s like a treasure hunt in your own kitchen! You might find half the stuff on your list is already there, hiding behind that giant jar of pickles. It’s a super easy way to slash that grocery bill and help you meal plan to use what you already have on hand. Get our best gluten-free pantry stocking tips!
Shop on a Full Stomach
Shopping hungry is like letting a kid loose in a candy store. Everything looks good! Eating first means you won’t be tempted by every snack in sight, keeping both your stomach and wallet full.
Bulk Bargains
Buying in bulk can be a wallet’s best pal, especially for non-perishables or things you eat a lot of. Think rice, pasta, or even shampoo. If you have the space, buying protein in bulk from a farm can even be cheaper than the best sale at a box store. Just don’t get carried away and buy a year’s supply of mustard, okay?
Seasonal Shopper
Buying produce in its season isn’t just tastier, it’s cheaper too. Strawberries in summer, squash in fall – nature’s way of giving your budget a break. Plus, it’s a fun way to change up your meals through the year and eat as nature intended.
Perimeter Pro
Here’s a cool trick: Stick to the store’s edges. That’s where you’ll find fresh foods like fruits, veggies and dairy. The middle aisles are temptation city with all the processed stuff. Staying on the outskirts keeps you healthy and saves cash!
Sale Sniper
Keep an eye out for sales and stock up when the price is right. But be smart – only snag deals on stuff you know you’ll use. Striking when the savings are hot makes a lot of sense and takes just a little bit of planning.
11 Meals That Are Infinitely Better As Leftovers
Have you ever noticed how some meals seem to magically taste better the next day? It’s not just your imagination. There’s a whole world of dishes out there that truly come into their own as leftovers. From pasta that soaks up all the saucy goodness overnight to stews that develop deeper flavors, these 11 meals are guaranteed to make you look forward to round two.
11 Meals That Are Infinitely Better As Leftovers
Stop Wasting Money On Probiotics, Eat These 11 Foods Instead
Tired of spending a fortune on probiotic supplements? It turns out, your kitchen might hold the key to boosting your gut health. We’ll guide you through 11 everyday foods that are natural probiotic powerhouses, showing you how to easily incorporate them into your meals. Say goodbye to pricey pills and hello to delicious, gut-friendly foods that do more than just taste good.
Stop Wasting Money On Probiotics, Eat These 11 Foods Instead
12 Foods To Avoid at the Buffet At All Costs
We’ve all been there, standing in front of a buffet, eyes bigger than our stomachs, ready to dive into everything in sight. But not everything on that sprawling table is a winner. Let’s talk about the foods you might want to skip to dodge a food faux pas or, even worse, a stomachache. Navigating the buffet like a pro means knowing what to load up on and what to leave behind.
12 Foods To Avoid at the Buffet At All Costs
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
