Saving money on groceries and household items is on many wish-lists, however doing so is the challenge. Not any more! Below is a list of ways I find that helps my clients (including myself) become better organised with time, eating healthy, well-balanced options and saving money in the process!
- Seasonal produce
Purchase foods that are in season! Not only does it save you money, but can help you think outside the box when it comes to preparing a meal. I have been buying a whole heap of pumpkin, sweet potato, cauliflower, even leek and broccoli/broccolini! So you can only imagine the soups I’ve been creating with these. Have fun with the seasonal ingredients and try and add in as much variety as possible.
- Catelogues
These beauties are great to have a look through at the beginning of the week to ensure you know ahead of time what is on special that coming Wednesday! This can be useful for non-food items as well, such as washing powders, dental hygiene, and dish washing liquid. When these are on sale, I stock up to avoid to having to pay full price when I run out! Supermarkets like to have great sales during each season too to help ensure non-perishable items are affordable. Items like, canned legumes, baked beans, instant soups or even passata have been on sale during winter, which can prompt a consumer to buy a few to help with some meal/snack options. Make a list at the beginning of the catalogue week to ensure you don’t over spend on items you make not need (remember a sale is only a saving if you need the item)!
- Meal planning
Life is quite hectic, and it is very easy to get caught up in the day –to- day motions of juggling work, family and life commitments. Choosing what to eat can fall short on the priority list.
Planning ahead can save you time and money, which would usually be spent on daily food related tasks. It is easy to eat based on convenience when life is busy, however at times, may not be the healthiest or most nutritious choice.
How to plan your food choices for the week ahead? Write it down. It isn’t as difficult or time consuming as what it sounds. Whether you are planning for a family, for you and your partner or just yourself, planning ahead is the key to ensuring you eat varied, nutritious food for all meals and snacks of the day.
- One trip to the supermarket a week!
After planning meals and snacks, supermarket shopping can be a stress-free process! Write a list and stick to it! Add additional items to your ‘specials’ list you started after looking through catelogues. Maybe some items are already on there? Now add extra stuff, fruit and vegetables, yoghurt, cheese, other non perishable items, even nuts and seeds!
- Bulk buy
When I find food items on sale (particularly non-perishables), I tend to buy my weights worth! Keep an eye on your catelogues or in-store specials and buy as many as you can. I mainly do this with legumes, baked beans frozen vegetables and wraps (to freeze).
Market Shop!! I would recommend going to the market once a month and purchase your meat and chicken. Separate into one- meal portion sizes and defrost when required! This ensures you are including an even distribution of protein throughout the week at each meal, and don’t spend a fortune on good quality protein! Fish is best eaten fresh so I don’t tend to freeze it. I buy as I go!
Visiting your local market once a week is great to buy fresh fruit and vegetables at a cheaper price too! If you can only go monthly, purchase the meat and alternatives and grab some fruit and vegetables for that week!
I hope some of these tips are realistic for you! Give them a go – you may be pleasantly surprised...
For tailored support and advice, book in and see me at one of my locations. Visit ‘Contact me’ for further information. I can help tailor a plan that is suited to you!
