Groceries are stupid expensive right now. I’ll try to help you, the best ways I can!
1. Shop Weekly Sales. Read all store ads and price compare. Plan your protein purchases on sales and stock up and freeze.
2. Stock up at the “big box” stores. (Sam’s and Costco). For example, buy a large package of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and once you are home, separate them into smaller freezer bag quantities. Same for large pork loin. Cut the pork into pork chops and larger sizes for the crock pot, or for roasting.
3. Make your own chicken/turkey stock after you have taken all of the meat off the bones.
4. If you do not belong to a Costco, go in together for a membership with a friend to save money.
5. Keep a food notebook on your smartphone or an actual notebook with prices to check and compare. Also download store apps and price comparison apps to do the price checking for you.
6. Shop for discounted produce. Some stores will sell one and two day old produce for $1.00. This is perfect for juicing, baking or just to freeze for protein drinks and smoothies.
7. Puree your produce. This way you use it all up before it goes bad. When your spinach or fruit began to turn, toss them in the blender, then pour into ice trays. You can use them in protein drinks/smoothies, or if you puree the spinach (or kale) with lemon or lime, you can toss in savory dishes.
8. Puree and freeze Greek yogurt before it goes bad. This also helps to keep your protein drinks/smoothies extra cold. You can puree it with some almond milk or fruit, to help flavor it.
9. Sounds cliche and obvious, but make it at home. Rather than buying coffees at a coffee shop, breakfast or lunch at a drive thru; make it at home. Keep a running tab of how much you spend out. You will be surprised at how quickly it adds up!
10. Freeze things like butter when it is on sale. Especially around holidays, stores will have specials on butter. Buy several boxes and toss in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator.
11. Buy eggs and cheese in bulk. For the cheese, grate it yourself. This is not only healthier, but cheaper. Places like Sam’s and Costco have eggs in bulk that work out to be far cheaper.
12. Use coupons. You can even use coupons on your smart phones.
13. Take a look at the things (foods) you buy and ask yourself if you can make it, cheaper? For example, instead of buying pancake mix, make your own. Rather than buying Taco Seasoning, make your own. (Plus, you will drastically reduce the sodium by making your own.) Homemade lattes are far cheaper than coffee house lattes. The money you save in a week can buy coffee for two months.
14. When you choose to eat at home or pack your lunch/breakfast/coffee rather than purchasing it out, put the money you would have spent in a jar. At the end of the month, you will have accumulated enough money for a special treat or family outing.
15. When cooking things like chicken or ground turkey (or beef), cook extra, all at once. For example, instead of making two or three chicken breasts, make five or six. That way you have extra chicken for tomorrow’s lunch (put it on your spinach salad) or tomorrow night’s dinner (plop in the blender and pulse/chop to shred, quickly, for chicken enchiladas). If you make burgers, make extras. Use the leftovers to crumble the next night and season with your homemade Mexican Spice Blend, for tacos. This reduces “quick trips” to the fast food place or to buy packaged/frozen dinners. Cheaper and healthier.
16. Instead of purchasing frozen fruit, freeze your own fresh fruit. Wash your fruit, then blot dry. Place on a cookie sheet, then into the freezer. Once frozen solid, place in smaller freezer bags.