Don’t stress out about your rising grocery bill. We’ve got tips to make it easier to save money and eat healthy.
We’ve all seen it. Grocery bills are multiplying. Prices of every day needs seem to be trending higher every day. And when you’re eating healthy, fresh foods, it can be daunting to cover these costs.
Jennifer Sodini, a longtime Medical Weight Loss Clinic counselor who now works as the Michigan Company’s corporate recruiter, has seen it first-hand.
“I think that most people are feeling the price increases these days pretty much everywhere,” says Jennifer, “but I feel that they are most affected at the gas pump and the grocery store. People are having to adjust their budgets and re-evaluate how much they are driving as well as how much they are spending at the grocery store.”
Jennifer Sodini worked as a counselor for Medical Weight Loss Clinic for 19 years before becoming our corporate recruiter. She shared great advice for saving money while shopping for groceries that we can all use now.
She assures us all - there are ways to still eat healthy while we’re being cost-conscious.
Start with a plan
Medical Weight Loss Clinic patients hear this whenever they are facing challenging situations on their healthy journey, Jennifer says. And it’s just as useful for all of us when we approach shopping on a budget – planning is important.
“Plan what meals you want to eat and make a grocery list of the foods you will need,” she says. Then stick to it! This will cut down on impulsive buying and food waste so you don’t end up buying things that you won’t eat. A little bit of extra time will help you save money in the long run.”
Look for weekly sales, coupons, in-store and app specials
Plan your meals around items that are on sale for the week. If you see Manager’s Specials listed at the grocery store, you may find a great deal on ingredients for that night’s dinner. These items are often close to expiring. Still, they are a good deal if you plan to cook or freeze a meal immediately.
Do you shop at a larger grocery store chain? Look for an app for that store. Jennifer says we can find virtual coupons for items we regularly buy through an app. Some stores offer discounts on gas, too. If you shop Kroger – check into fuel points which accumulate to save money on gas purchased at their fuel stations.
Buy and cook in bulk
Whenever possible, try to buy larger quantities of foods, prepare them, then divide them into single use portions and freeze them.
“I try to keep meals in my freezer all the time so that I can cut down on the amount of food I have to prepare and buy for the week,” she says. “I love to make the Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken or Turkey Joes from our website because they are easy to make in large quantities.”
Bags of frozen fruits or vegetables are a great way to buy larger quantities that will last. Be on the lookout for a Family Pack or choose the larger size of meat. It will usually be cheaper per pound - and you can just freeze the portions you don’t plan to cook immediately.
Make the extra effort
We’re all looking for shortcuts, but these days preparing foods for yourself can save you money. Instead of reaching for that expensive, pre-packed salad, buy fresh lettuce and other vegetables to make it yourself. This saves time and gives you healthy ingredients to use in a variety of ways during the week. Or, try a new cut of meat – especially if it’s on sale. Chicken thighs are versatile and less expensive than chicken breast, for example.
Consider where you shop
Try visiting a local butcher shop, produce market, Farmer’s market or even try a membership store.
If you don’t invest in a membership shop with a family member or friend who does to see if it’s a good fit for you. Sometimes the savings that you receive throughout the year will make up for that membership fee.
Are you on the lookout for more food inspiration on a budget? We’ve got it. And when you’re ready to begin your healthy journey, we’re here to help. Reach out to us at Medical Weight Loss Clinic’s customized programs. Schedule your free consultation online or by calling 1-800-GET-SLIM.
