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| Shopping for Nutrition on a Budget; Challenges & tips for the grocery store | |
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| Topic Started: Nov 4 2008, 07:44 PM (53 Views) | |
| Joyful | Nov 4 2008, 07:44 PM Post #1 |
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 Yes, I agree, but it is getting to be quite a challenge for me to purchase nutritional foods and still stay on a budget. We have all seen grocery prices soar during these economic times. Any ideas on what to avoid & what to never say "no" to regarless of price?  I have heard the best shopping is to shop the perimeter of your grocery store first & only the aisles last. That way you shop for produce, dairy, meat, etc. first & pkg. convenience foods last, if at all. Thankfully I have had a garden all summer for fresh produce, so that has helped. Any tips for the grocery store shopping?
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| NicC | Nov 4 2008, 09:37 PM Post #2 |
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Lately I have discovered that there is more reduced merchandise if I shop in the morning (I picked up 50% off salad and ham for example - meat and bread I buy this way goes straight in the freezer). I also scan flyers, check for specials and use coupons IF they give me the best price. I think cooking from scratch helps too. I do feel I should get a bigger freezer. I don't mind going to several stores when I have the time. |
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| shygemini | Nov 4 2008, 11:55 PM Post #3 |
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In terms of what to never say no to, i would say vegetables and whole grain products...these are very important for a healthy diet! I think we all should have staple fresh foods to buy each week (for me it is veggies, fruits, yogurt, milk, cottage cheese, eggs, bread) as well as a well stocked pantry which you can prepare for buying sale items or buying in bulk (pasta, grains, oatmeal, canned beans, frozen meats you portion etc). I know fresh meat is best but for me it just isn't practical especially when it has to be used so quickly when in the fridge. I always shop the perimeter of the store first. That way my cart gets filled with healthy stuff, and there just isn't room for alot of junk! I would suggest going to the store with a list (seems like common sense) and sticking to the list as much as possible...which most people don't do! Also- making sure that you preplan your meals so that you are only buying what you need (with the exception of sales for buik items you want to take advantage of) to avoid throwing out food you didn't use. |
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| Joyful | Nov 5 2008, 12:29 PM Post #4 |
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 All great ideas! I do go with a list & generally stick with it unless I find a good buy. And then only if I can reportion, freeze, or store. I think I knew the perimeter shopping, but just have not been doing it. So, I can make a change there. I do check sale flyers, clip coupons, shop on old peoples day  I also have a freezer. We go pick at the local berry farms during the summer & freeze fresh blueberries & blackberries, make jelly & jams, & harvest our own apples. Hubbie hunts, so we usually have plenty of venison.(which is a healthy protein & low in fat). I buy only whole grain flours, make my own bread, & cook a lot from scratch. Very seldom buy a packaged mix of anything. Also the garden has been a great help for fresh produce. It is now November & we still have fresh turnip greens, spinach & the cabbage is heading up as well. As far as differant stores, I really don't like spending the extra time, but maybe I now need to make that change. After all, my local grocery stores are not very far apart. 
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| TeachX3 | Nov 5 2008, 01:36 PM Post #5 |
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... these are all wonderful ideas, thanks... I shall strive to do them. |
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-Dannielle • Age 41 • 5'5" • Medium Frame • Began: 01/17/07   | |
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| Princess2one | Nov 5 2008, 05:47 PM Post #6 |
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Good ideas!  There is a website with healthy recipes made with items from Aldis. (For those who don't have an Aldis- It's like a Save-a-lot) She has some good recipes and because of it I have shopped at Aldis a few times. greenlitebites.com |
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| Joyful | Nov 5 2008, 06:27 PM Post #7 |
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but no Aldis or Save-a-Lot here. I am on the East Coast...it is only Walmart & Food Lion in my hick town, but go the big ciies nearby for Ukrops, or Shoppers Food Warehouse...there are also BJ's & Sam's club, but I don't have membership. Figure it would cost me more to get there than I would save. 
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| Joyful | Nov 11 2008, 05:51 PM Post #8 |
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I went shopping today. I only go once a week. I made a few changes. First I went to the local flea mkt. Nothing there for me today, but next door was a Buy-rite...discount store & I picked up a lot of healthy snacks & nuts at bargain prices. Also, a lady was selling fresh produce & I bought a big humongous cauliflower head for only $3.00. They are more than that in Walmart & only about 1/4 the size of the one I got today. I will make cauliflower soup, eat some raw, steam & mash the rest like mashed potatoes. Then on to Walmart ....I took the perimeter route & got fresh fruits & vegetables first, then on to meat, (but did not get much there) on to dairy, & then a few zips up the dry goods aisles. At check-out I think my bill was about the same. Maybe did not save much $ today, but definitely came home with healthier food. I believe in preventive medicine & nutrition when possible. So for the tips.
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2:23 AM Jan 7