Balancing the need to eat well with the increase in the costs of the grocery store can look like an intimidating task. With the cost of the grocery store up 31% in the past six years, families have felt pressure. The good news is that meal planning strategies to improve health and longevity can also help you save money. Here’s how you can approach grocery store and meal planning while reducing costs.
Fresh products, canned products and frozen items are less affected by the increase in food costs compared to processed foods. Research systematically shows that diets rich in whole and unprocessed foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and lean proteins, many of which are available in canned or frozen, contribute to better results for health and longevity.
Meals planning is one of the most effective strategies to reduce food waste and control grocery costs. Plan the meals around what is on sale, in season and what you already have in your pantry to spend less. Research suggests that meal planning helps not only cost savings, but also improves the quality of the food.
Cooking by lots and the preparation of meals in advance are another profitable strategy. It is also practical; The cooking of large quantities and freezing parts can make the days loaded more manageable and prevent the temptation from ordering take -out dishes.
Plant -based meals can help reduce grocery costs while reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Affordable sources of vegetable proteins such as beans, lenses, tofu and tempeh provide essential nutrients and energy. Even those who prefer to include meat, poultry and fish can save money over time while enjoying meals based on plants more often.
Make your dollar food further by doing strategically purchases, in particular by buying in bulk, selecting seasonal items, shopping in grocery stores concerned with the budget and neighborhood markets. Create a list based on your meal plan and respect it. Purchases of pulses are often less nutritious and useless. Coupons, reduction programs and loyalty cards can further reduce grocery expenses. Some studies suggest that consumers who use grocery applications or loyalty programs to follow prices and take advantage of sales can save up to 20% on their grocery bills.
A healthy diet does not need to be expensive, and with the right strategies, it is possible to taste delicious meals while investing in your future well-being. Here are key tips to help you save money on the grocery store immediately:
1. Strategically grocery store with a meal plan and a list.
2. Concentrate on food at a lower cost with greater nutritional density such as beans, lenses, seasonal products, frozen fruits and vegetables and canned sodium products, while moving away from highly processed foods and impulsive purchases.
3. Choose plant protein foods more often to reduce the cost of regularly counting more expensive animal proteins.
4. Consider the kitchen by lots and the frost of meals to help save money and time while reducing food waste.
5. Stretch your money by registering for grocery loyalty programs and shopping in reduced prices grocery stores, neighborhood markets and excess food sellers such as the unique food and unsuitable market.
6. Prepare meals at home. The prices of restaurants have increased even more strongly in recent years compared to the prices of the grocery store, so the kitchen at home remains the most economical choice.
Leeann Weintraub, MPH, RD is a registered dietitian, providing nutrition advice and advice to individuals, families and organizations. It can be attached by e-mail to Rd@halfacup.com.
