![Picture](/uploads/3/1/6/0/31608011/grocery-bag.png?250)
When it comes to eating more nutritious foods, it’s important to be prepared and have those foods easily available. Here are some tips to consider when making your food purchases:
Be Prepared
Being prepared with a list of items that are needed will help you to stick to your list and avoid any struggles at the store including those items you don’t really want or need. You can even write your grocery list in categories for an easier shopping trip. Click here for a free printable grocery list (scroll down the page to find it): http://homeprintables.com/free-2017-planner/
Be a Smart Consumer
Be a smart consumer when it comes to sales and coupon use. Just because there is an item on sale, doesn’t mean that it’s a good deal-or you need it for that matter. The same thing applies to coupons. Become familiar with the unit price and determine if the price meets your needs, or consider another brand.
Where to Shop?
Consider the pros and cons to big box stores and small local retailers. You may feel like you are getting a better bargain by purchasing items in bulk. On the other hand, you may find that you are purchasing more than you need, or items that you can do without. Perhaps you feel that the quality of food is better and are willing to pay extra. As for local grocers, the seasonal items may be more affordable and you can make purchases in smaller quantities.
Many grocers offer rewards of some kind, and that may play a role in your shopping choices. Some shop both big box stores and small local retailers. My advice would be to consider what items you can cut out if you are trying to cut down on your grocery budget. Also, you can consider coupons or taking advantage of sales.
Personally, I shop at my local grocery store, taking advantage of weekly sales ads and the free membership and rewards program. I receive personalized coupons in the mail for items I purchase on a regular basis. There is also an app that allows my to select digital coupons and load them to my rewards card-cool, right? I know that coupons may or may not appeal to every person.
For those shopping at wholesale stores like Costco or Sam’s club, check out the benefits in this Studio 5 segment:
http://funcheaporfree.com/2014/07/what-to-buy-from-costco/
Coupons or No Coupons?
I think this is a personal decision. If you have the time and motivation to coupon, then go for it. Personally, I am not excessive in my couponing, nor do I feel like I want to spend the time to gather tons of coupons for my grocery purchases. Occasionally, I do check out the digital coupons that are available on my local Smith’s grocery store app.
Sales
If there are items on sale that you use on a regular basis, go ahead and stock up your pantry. For instance, when spaghetti sauce or noodles go on sale, I’m sure to grab a few extras (e.g. my regular pasta noodle brand Ronzoni Smart Taste, was recently on sale for $0.69 a box. I also picked up some of my favorite spaghetti sauce-Classico, for just $1.49 a jar).
Be a smart consumer when it comes to the sales. Just because there is a sale, it doesn’t mean you should get in on it. There may be items you don’t really need, or the sale price could be only slightly less expensive. When my grocery store puts on a sale for buy 5 save $5, sometimes I feel like I have to purchase more than I normally would. For this reason, then you are better going without those extra items.
Make a habit of checking the unit prices. It typically will say this on the price tag. If not, then quickly do the math and compare to other brands. You may even find that it is not worth getting, or another brand is less expensive.
Needs vs. Wants
When it comes to purchasing food, there are items that you both need and want. If you are planning to save money or have a budget, you will learn to limit those items you can do without.
I do make a point to pick out one “want” for the week, allowing for some indulgence. My want item could be a more expensive item, a snack food or a treat such as ice cream.
Buying in Season
If you aren’t buying fruits and vegetables in season, here is a guide to get you started. Keep in mind that for me, seasons influence my meal planning (e.g., summer vs. winter meals). Check out what’s in season: https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/seasonal-produce-guide
You will find that as you both plan and prepare for your meals, you will have more nutritious food options available. The stress of not knowing what to eat and avoiding the less nutritious food will be limited. Your efforts will all be worthwhile as you take steps to eat more nutritious food. Not only will you be doing something good for yourself, but also you will feel better.
Happy Shopping!
Be Prepared
Being prepared with a list of items that are needed will help you to stick to your list and avoid any struggles at the store including those items you don’t really want or need. You can even write your grocery list in categories for an easier shopping trip. Click here for a free printable grocery list (scroll down the page to find it): http://homeprintables.com/free-2017-planner/
Be a Smart Consumer
Be a smart consumer when it comes to sales and coupon use. Just because there is an item on sale, doesn’t mean that it’s a good deal-or you need it for that matter. The same thing applies to coupons. Become familiar with the unit price and determine if the price meets your needs, or consider another brand.
Where to Shop?
Consider the pros and cons to big box stores and small local retailers. You may feel like you are getting a better bargain by purchasing items in bulk. On the other hand, you may find that you are purchasing more than you need, or items that you can do without. Perhaps you feel that the quality of food is better and are willing to pay extra. As for local grocers, the seasonal items may be more affordable and you can make purchases in smaller quantities.
Many grocers offer rewards of some kind, and that may play a role in your shopping choices. Some shop both big box stores and small local retailers. My advice would be to consider what items you can cut out if you are trying to cut down on your grocery budget. Also, you can consider coupons or taking advantage of sales.
Personally, I shop at my local grocery store, taking advantage of weekly sales ads and the free membership and rewards program. I receive personalized coupons in the mail for items I purchase on a regular basis. There is also an app that allows my to select digital coupons and load them to my rewards card-cool, right? I know that coupons may or may not appeal to every person.
For those shopping at wholesale stores like Costco or Sam’s club, check out the benefits in this Studio 5 segment:
http://funcheaporfree.com/2014/07/what-to-buy-from-costco/
Coupons or No Coupons?
I think this is a personal decision. If you have the time and motivation to coupon, then go for it. Personally, I am not excessive in my couponing, nor do I feel like I want to spend the time to gather tons of coupons for my grocery purchases. Occasionally, I do check out the digital coupons that are available on my local Smith’s grocery store app.
Sales
If there are items on sale that you use on a regular basis, go ahead and stock up your pantry. For instance, when spaghetti sauce or noodles go on sale, I’m sure to grab a few extras (e.g. my regular pasta noodle brand Ronzoni Smart Taste, was recently on sale for $0.69 a box. I also picked up some of my favorite spaghetti sauce-Classico, for just $1.49 a jar).
Be a smart consumer when it comes to the sales. Just because there is a sale, it doesn’t mean you should get in on it. There may be items you don’t really need, or the sale price could be only slightly less expensive. When my grocery store puts on a sale for buy 5 save $5, sometimes I feel like I have to purchase more than I normally would. For this reason, then you are better going without those extra items.
Make a habit of checking the unit prices. It typically will say this on the price tag. If not, then quickly do the math and compare to other brands. You may even find that it is not worth getting, or another brand is less expensive.
Needs vs. Wants
When it comes to purchasing food, there are items that you both need and want. If you are planning to save money or have a budget, you will learn to limit those items you can do without.
I do make a point to pick out one “want” for the week, allowing for some indulgence. My want item could be a more expensive item, a snack food or a treat such as ice cream.
Buying in Season
If you aren’t buying fruits and vegetables in season, here is a guide to get you started. Keep in mind that for me, seasons influence my meal planning (e.g., summer vs. winter meals). Check out what’s in season: https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/seasonal-produce-guide
You will find that as you both plan and prepare for your meals, you will have more nutritious food options available. The stress of not knowing what to eat and avoiding the less nutritious food will be limited. Your efforts will all be worthwhile as you take steps to eat more nutritious food. Not only will you be doing something good for yourself, but also you will feel better.
Happy Shopping!