10 WAYS TO SLASH YOUR GROCERY BILL
1. Plan all your meals for the month.
By doing this, you'll know exactly what to shop for each month, for the whole month. Your shopping list will get easier and more precise.
2. Get a good sized freezer.
Any freezer space is good to begin with. Many things that you want to last longer, especially leftovers, you're going to need an extra freezer.
3. Cook one large meal and freeze portions.
This is a good one. If you plan your meals then you know you'll eat certain dinners 3-5 times a month or so. You might as well make it all at once. That way you can freeze the extra dinners for later on in the month. It's easy for someone else to 'make dinner'.
4. Buy in bulk.
Buy planning your meals, you'll know exactly how much of each item you'll use, down to the amount per or pounds each, and then can buy those in bulk. Freeze, or cook and freeze portions for later use.
5. More whole food, less packaged 'food.
If you think about it, any food that is packaged has been cooked/baked/prepared somewhere else. You can do it at home, and it will be much healthier and cheaper. More food made from fresh fruit, vegetables, rice, nuts, seeds and beans are going to be better for you. Cheaper. Less chemicals and processed organisms. Better for your brain and body.
6. Learn how to Can.
This is the process of cooking food, or preserving fresh produce without having a freezer. Putting the finished product in jars, that is sitting in large pots of boiling water, and putting lids on properly will preserve the food in an airtight container while sitting for a long time at room temperature.
7. Juice it yourself.
Buying fresh produce and juicing it yourself is cheaper than buying juice, and it's less sugar. Stop buying mostly water anyway. You can also make Soy, Rice or Almond milk with a large juicer. The pulp or 'meat' of the fruit can be added to many dishes and breads. The remainder can be added to compost and recycled into the ground in your new garden.
8. Organize multi-family potlucks.
Or have arranged dinners once a week at someone else's house. If you do this with a few families, then at least 1-2 times a week you don't have to cook dinner. You have the pleasure of other's company, and it's easier on the wallet for everyone. Instead of cooking the food, trade excess of products with others.
9. Cook more.
This is simple. Whether you spend money eating out, or your buying prepared food such as frozen dinners, boxed meals, or canned soups you will save money by again, buying more whole food and less packaged.
10. Grow your own.
Simple enough. You can hang planters off a wall or fence, have small buckets on the back porch, or even a full area in the ground. Automatic drip systems are worth the time and money. It saves water and also assures that your food doesn't go bad. Check on them as often as you remember. Make sure no bugs are getting into the area. Dawn dish soap mixed with some water in a spray bottle is a perfect harmless pesticide.
