Tuesday Tip - Keeping the Grocery Bill Low

Is it just me or have you noticed the rather fast rise of grocery costs--bread is jumping almost a dollar higher in most areas, eggs are outrageous and produce, is well, insane.

The place I shop (Whole Foods) is knows for being a bit pricer than other stores, however I have always managed to spend about the same (and sometimes less) than my friends who shop at the mega low type super markets. These are the rules I follow to keep my prices in check.

1. Have a meal plan. Plan out breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner for everyday until your next shopping trip. Once you have figured out what you want to eat, go through your kitchen to determine what you need to buy (it also helps to plan meals that share same ingredients).

2. Create a detailed shopping list based on the sections of the store. To start, you might want to run through the store and write down the aisles you go through (example--I start in produce, then cheese, fish, oils, meat, tomato, etc.). Not only will this keep you focused and on task when you make your trip (keeping you from straying from the list), you will also get through the shopping trip much quicker.

3. When it comes to produce, stick to seasonal. Seasonal, local produce is not only healthier, it's also much cheaper. For spring, enjoy cheap organic strawberries and asparagus. Summer is melons, berries, and (in late summer) tomatoes. Fall is fall squash, apples and potatos. Winter is citrus and pomegranit. (Naturally, there is more than this. See here for more info.)

4. Stock up on sales when it comes to meat. If your family loves chicken, buy extra when it's on sale. It might not be on your list but it will keep in the freezer.

5. Make one night a week meatless. Beans are very cheap and can make a great meal. Try this one--I promise you'll love it!

6. Avoid the prepared foods. Yes, they are yummy but they are also very pricey. If you really want prepared foods (like me), limit yourself to one (and consider it a treat!).

7. Have a good meal before you start shopping--this is the best tip of all. If you go to the grocery store hungry, you will stray because everything looks good. if you are satisfied, you will stick to your list.

Hope this helps! If you have a tip for grocery shopping that helps you, please share!