Healthy food is important; we all know that! Unfortunately, some people also think it’s unaffordable, especially those on tight budgets. It’s possible to get a huge range of goodies, for very little cash. Here’s how I do it:
1. Markdowns
Most grocery stores and many smaller produce markets have these hidden gems. Sometimes I’ll find things in the cold sections; in other stores, they will be on a reduced rack. Never leave a store without checking for dairy, meat, and produce that’s reduced and you could find surprises like $1.00 organic milk gallons or $0.49 ground turkey.
Try asking your store’s manager what is marked down and when. (Usually, I find my best markdowns early in the morning.) The only item I avoid is bakery, because it tends to be stale.
2. Buy in Season
I’m always amazed to see shoppers buying watermelon in wintertime. Not only is it overpriced, the taste is terrible! If you buy things in season, you’ll get produce at the peak of freshness and affordability. In winter, that means citrus fruit. I’ve found oranges as low as 5/$1.00. In summer, pick up berries, melon, and stone fruit. Fall is all about apples. Just because food is available consistently doesn’t mean it’s worth buying.
3. Buy on Sale
Check your grocery flyers before shopping. If broccoli is on sale, don’t buy asparagus! I routinely find big bags of carrots on sale for $0.79 and bananas as low as $0.29/Lb. Many times, it’s organic, too. Eggs can be had for $1.00 a dozen. Big bags of oats are dirt cheap. This week, I got cauliflower for $0.99/Lb. Last week it was $2.99/Lb! Menus should change to reflect current prices.
4. Discount Grocers
If you have access to a discount grocery like Aldi, definitely check it out. (There aren’t any in my area, so I’ve never been to one, but I hear very good things about Aldi.) When shopping at known-to-be expensive stores like Whole Foods, look for generics.
5. Substitute
Lentils and tofu can be a meat replacement. Eggs are good, cheap protein. Tuna makes a fine dinner. If you’re a hardcore meat eater, make sure to buy on sale and stock up, but definitely try different options before discounting them. If you’re committed to organic meat/dairy, I’d suggest stretching a small amount with a filler.
6. Use Coupons
If you’re committed to using coupons, it’s possible to find whole food completely free! Last year, I scored many, many bags of onions and peppers for nothing. They cost $0.99 at Walmart and I had 12 $1.00 coupons! I’ve gotten free carrots from Earthbound Farms coupons. Target used to offer amazing mobile coupons that allowed me to find free produce. They’ve changed them and the deals aren’t as good now, more like $1.00 off a $5.00 order, but every bit helps.
If you’re willing to shop strategically, stick to a budget, and approach it with a positive attitude, anything is possible! This is not about deprivation; it’s about making the most of our resources cheerfully.
Do you find whole foods too expensive?
