Not everyone is in the best situation when it comes to budget. When we have a tight budget, meal planning and grocery shopping are very challenging and it's even more difficult. There are ways to get around it, just be smart, patient and put a little effort to make it happened. Here are some tips to make it possible:
1. Plan and prepare meals ahead - this strategy makes life easier, from making a menu for the week to grocery shopping. It saves money, time and effort.
2. Embrace Whole grains, beans and legumes - whole grains like brown rice, couscous, quinoa, barley etc. Beans and legumes like pinto, black beans, chickpeas or garbanzo, lentils etc. are inexpensive and the best way to bulk up the meals and they are generally on the cheaper side. They can be stretched out to make chili, stew to burgers.
3. Make an effort and set aside a time to make a meatless meat substitute from scratch and freeze them. I’ve been doing this technique since my children were little until they grow up.
I always have them in my freezer and it’s always all set to go whether for my home meal
cooking, for potluck or when I have an unexpected company. Another benefit of making
your own is you the control of what ingredients you put in it.
4. Buy fresh produce when it’s in season and preserve them by freezing, canning and Farmer’s Market in the summer time is best place to go, to get fresh produce whether you prefer organic or non-organic.
5. Shop SMART - buying bulk from Costco or Sam’s Club or buying organic and non-GMO food from any of your favorite grocery store or from ALDI which is way cheaper compare to others, if it’s available in your area.
6. Look for sales and consider planning your meals around what’s on sale.
7. Have a garden if possible and if there's a space available. There's nothing better than having fresh harvest from your own garden.
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