Eating healthy does not have to be expensive! Here are six tips to fill your fridge without breaking the bank:
1. Plan out your meals
Choose a day to plan out your meals and snacks for the whole week, and try to incorporate as many items as you can that you already have at home. If you make some leftovers with your dinner, you will have lunch ready for the next day!
2. Make a list
If you go into the store unprepared, it’s easy to be drawn in by things you don’t really need. After planning your meals, make a list of everything you need, but also allow yourself to include a few fun ‘wants.’ Now, here’s the tricky part – actually stick to it!
3. Make a budget
Determine a realistic budget based on your income and other expenses. This may take some practice to feel out what you can buy within your budget, so give yourself a couple weeks of flexibility. You can even challenge yourself to reduce your budget every few months!
4. Keep an eye out for discounts
Check what’s on sale before you make your list and take advantage of flyers and coupons. If you are a student, shop on student discount days; McMaster University students get 10% off on Tuesdays at the local grocery stores! Also, take some time to shop around for a credit card with better rewards – some credit cards offer up to 5% cashback on groceries.
5. Shop in the right mindset
Try to avoid shopping hungry or tired! On an empty stomach, everything looks good, and it’s easy to overbuy. It’s also essential to plan your trip when you aren’t in a rush, so you have time to shop around for the best options.
6. Buy in bulk
Instead of buying prepackaged items, buy larger quantities and portion them out yourself. You can freeze the extra food to preserve it and even purchase pre-frozen frozen fruits and veggies to reduce your food waste. For this one, I really only have one word: Costco.