Eating well can be expensive. Grocery bills add up quickly, and fresh, raw foods often cost more than processed, packaged foods. Invest time and effort in your healthy diet by following some basic steps that can help you get the most nutritious bang for your buck.
Step 1
Shop the sales. Look for circulars from local grocery stores and markets in your mailbox or newspaper. Make a list and stick to it, purchasing only what you have budgeted for beforehand. Watch for discounts in the produce, meat and dairy sections, particularly for organic products. In high-priced organic markets, look for private-label products that often cost less than name brands.
Step 2
Use coupons. While many coupons apply only to bottled, canned or boxed products, some coupons apply to cheese, meat and fresh deli items. Organic suppliers sometimes offer coupons for their products as well. Sign up for a free shopper's card at your favorite stores to get bonus discounts and in-store offers.
Step 3
Shop locally. Patronize your local fruit and vegetable stands and farmers markets to find fresh, unprocessed, often organic produce. By cutting out the middleman, farmers often can sell their goods to the public for less than grocery stores can, and the produce is generally fresher as well. Ask if the seller has organic certification if you prefer organic foods.
Step 4
Buy in bulk. Take a friend shopping with you to split the cost and the contents of the large containers, yielding a savings for both of you. Look for whole grains, dried beans and legumes, and other unprocessed items that often come in large bags or buckets in the bulk aisle of the store. Be willing to do some extra work, such as chopping vegetables rather than buying the more expensive pre-chopped option.
Step 5
Plant a garden. Garden seed and water are inexpensive, and your labor is free. Growing your own food gives you complete control over the use of pesticides, fertilizer and other chemicals, and harvesting the crop can be satisfying. If you live in a cold climate with a short growing season, consider investing in a small greenhouse to extend the season, or grow your favorite vegetables and herbs in pots on your windowsill year round. If space permits, plant fruit trees and berry bushes to supplement your harvest. Once established, the cost is minimal and the returns are large.
Step 6
Raise animals, or contact a local livestock owner. If you have enough land and live in an area that allows small animals, consider buying a few chickens for fresh eggs that are guaranteed free-range and organic. A local farmer might be willing to sell whole, raw milk for a reasonable cost, and you can skim the cream to make your own fresh butter.
Tips and Warnings
- Ask if your local supermarket matches advertised prices from its competitors. This can save time and gas, allowing you to take advantage of savings from several stores while shopping at only one.
Things You'll Need
- Sales circulars
- Coupons
- Garden seed
- Greenhouse
- Plant pots
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