Eating Well While Pinching Pennies
Like most people, Dave and I are currently trying to be a little more strict with our budget. At the same time, eating quality food that nourishes our bodies is really important to us, so surviving off of the McDonald’s Dollar Menu is not an option.
To try to cut down on our food spending while still enjoying healthy, satisfying meals, I made a list of guidelines that I’m going to try really hard to follow. Some, I’m certain, will be easier to stick to than others!
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Katie’s Food Budget Rules
1. Use what we already have.
I have this bad habit of buying new food before the old stuff is gone. It’s gotten so bad that sometimes I completely forget what I already have! So here’s my plan to remedy this: Before I sit down to plan our weekly dinner menu and grocery list, I’m going to survey my pantry and freezer, then choose meals according to what is already there.
2. Eat out less.
Not that we eat out a lot, but when we do we like to go to nice places. While I still want to enjoy the occasional restaurant meal, I know that cutting back will make a huge difference in my wallet.
3. Stick to my list.
I never go grocery shopping without a list. And that list is usually quite reasonable. But somehow all of these “extra” items find their way into my cart. 
I am definitely an impulse shopper when it comes to food. My goal for my next trip to the store is to refrain from buying anything that is not clearly written on my list as a must-buy.
4. Buy fewer prepared and packaged foods.
Frozen entrees, canned soups, and the like are certainly convenient, but they cost an arm and a leg! Instead of relying on packaged foods, I’m going to try buying more fresh ingredients and making the same meals myself. Yes, it will take more time, but it’s definitely healthier and a whole lot cheaper!
5. Buy (and cook!) in bulk.
There are some staple items that I always have on hand – things like oats, nuts, nut butters, and dry pasta. I’m going to look into buying these items in bulk instead of re-stocking them every few weeks. I already have a wholesale club membership, but at this point I really only use it for paper goods and kitty litter!
I’m also going to try doubling recipes more often so that there are more leftovers. It’d be great to be able to pull out more homemade meals from the fridge or freezer (and that will help with #4 too!). Convenient AND healthier AND cheaper! 
What are your tips for saving money while still eating wholesome, nutritious food? I’d love to add them to my list…I need all the help I can get! 
Themocracy
Great post. We are working on our food budget as well. I think that meal planning and sticking to the list is the biggest money saver for us. Like you, I am a major grocery impulse buyer.
All great tips! It is definitely hard to stay on budget when you’re eating healthy foods.
Awesome advice! I totally agree with you. I think planning ahead and sticking to a list is key. And buy what’s on sale!
Have a great day!
Thanks for the advice! Our food bill has been creeping up and the cost of groceries is super expensive where I live, I need to work on being more thrifty.
this was great!! i really need to not eat out as much AND buy in bulk more!
I love when you do lists, my fave =) and i love that dollar pic.
great guidelines! i am a HUGE proponent of buying/cooking in bulk and not eating out too often. smart penny pinching!
Great tips. I’m not very good at #3 either, so I can totally relate to that one.
My only other suggestion would be to eat a few additional meatless meals a week.
That’s a great suggestion! I’d be helping the environment too!
I love your list! I suck at #1 and in fact had a little discussion with the husband about how I don’t look before I buy.
I try to get as many coupons as I can for products I like. I have been very lucky at Whole Foods lately. I also scan the sale papers and sometimes do go to multiple stores to get products that I like.