Yesterday I announced that I’d agreed to the challenge to share 60 blog posts in the next 60 days. I asked in the blog post and on the Yummy Inspirations Facebook Page for what you, my readers, would like me to share. A few of you have asked for tips for food on a budget. You asked and now here you go – I’m going to be sharing a series of posts over the course of the 60 day challenge (and beyond) on providing your family with real food – on a budget. Today’s first budget post is – Meal Planning On A Budget.
I’m going to start with 2 important elements in shopping for real food on a budget – making a meal plan and a shopping list.
Being organized is key – it helps to follow a Menu Plan for the week, so you don’t end up buying too much (or too little) food. You could even sit around the table with your family to plan out the week’s meals so that all your family members feel listened to and have their say about what food they would prefer to eat.
As we recently followed The GAPS Diet and still enjoy Grain Free Meals through the week, I regularly refer to the meal plans from Grain Free Meal Plans by Health, Home and Happiness to help keep me organized and avoid being stuck for meal ideas.
Once your Meal Plan for the week is organized, you can get to the important step of making a shopping list. Leaving for the grocery store or farmers market without a shopping list is like going on a road trip without any a map or directions – it can be costly and leave you going around in circles!
Your first step can be to do a “stock-take” of what you already have in your house, so you don’t end up with 20 tins of organic chopped tomatoes in your pantry (I’ve been guilty of that on WAY too many occasions!). While referring to your Menu Plan, review what food you already have and then make a list to fill in the blanks to help your family stay nourished until the next shopping trip.
Once you have your shopping list – be diligent in sticking to it and try and avoid being tempted to buy additional items on a whim. This will help keep you on budget and reduce any potential food wastage.
I’d love to hear from you. Please share whether you make a shopping list when you go food shopping or any other real food budget tips which you swear by.
More Real Food On A Budget Posts:
Fruit & Vegetables on a budget
Real Food On A Budget – Meat & Chicken
Real Food On A Budget – Meal Planning & Make A Shopping List
Food Away From Home
Freezer Meals
Real Food On A Budget – 10 Ways With Eggs
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