These days everyone is on a budget, but just because you are on a budget doesn't mean you cannot afford to eat healthy. Did you know that healthy food is often priced significantly higher than junk food in grocery stores on purpose? This is the case because most healthy foods are grown in mass production farms, shipped across the country (or from Mexico), and then get to the grocery stores. Most of what you are paying is tax and shipping costs. Here are some tips that will save you hundreds of dollars a year!! In fact by following these tips, you can keep your food costs as low as $35/week for a family of four!
First next time you are at the grocery store, save your recipe so you can track how much you are saving in comparison to before following these tips.
For fresh fruits and vegetables: Buy from a local farmers market or coop. Local Harvest is a great website farms and markets near you. In the warmer months, grow your food and then can it for the winter months. Or you can grow your own organic garden. This is not for everyone, but even smaller spaces you can grow smaller crops. Cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs grow well in small spaces.
Make your own: As mentioned previously, you can do canning of fruits and vegetables to prepare for winter months from the harvest of your own growing or from farmers markets--many farmers will be willing to bargain with you. You can also make your own breads from the ingredients (which are cheaper).
Decide what absolutely has to be organic: The following MUST BE organic because of how thin the skins, this is known as the "dirty dozen" in fruits and vegetables: apples, peppers, celery, cherries, grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, potatoes, all berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries), spinach, and lettuce. Harder shell/shin vegetables/fruits that you can get away with not having organic are: Asparagus, Avocados, Bananas, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Corn, Kiwi, Mangos, Onions, Papaya, Pineapple, and Peas.
Shop in season and stock up (freeze extra). Seasonal fruits and vegetables are not only less expensive because there is an abundance of them, but also stocking up on them can save money in the winter months when little fresh options are available.
If you can find good coupons, then use them. Although coupons on healthy/organic foods are limited. Best way to use coupons is with a sale--double discount!
Other savings:
Cleaning products, Laundry, hand soap, and dish detergent try Shaklee here. Shaklee products are great because they are concentrated so much that they save money repeatedly. If you were to use the Basic H for only window/glass it would be the equivalent of 3,000 bottles of Windex. There is major savings there.
