The Key To Healthy Eating and Saving Money

Several simple grocery shopping techniques will help to save you cash at the register. SupermarketGuru wants to help you make the most of your shopping trips...

Many of us believe that purchasing healthy foods can be expensive — and that's probably because we're shopping and eating incorrectly. Several simple grocery shopping techniques will help to save you cash at the register. Let SupermarketGuru help you make the most of your shopping trips.

We all know that health professionals claim that eating the unhealthier foods, whether cheaper or not, will cost you more in the long run, both financially and physically.  People don't hesitate at spending 7 or 8 dollars on a fast-food combo meal or prepared food, and don’t realize that a family of four eating out can easily cost 40 to 50 dollars. But buying 10 dollars in bulk vegetables, 10 dollars on chicken and less than 10 dollars on bulk rice allows you to feed that family for a couple of days.

The bottom line is that it takes more effort than money, you need to be willing to put in the time to cut up fruits and vegetables, pre-portion serving sizes, using the crock pot for dried beans, oatmeal and soups, and… make a plan.  A focused, planned approach to grocery shopping and a Sunday circular or app, will save you a significant amount each month. Here’s SupermarketGuru’s guide to savings:

Check your store’s circular, or use an app the aggregates coupons in your area before you go shopping. Use it to make your list, plan at least some of your meals around what’s on sale. Make your shopping list with each week’s circular nearby, and stick to your plan. Don’t forget to log-on and connect with your favorite stores and brands through social media sites - there are often deals posted online that will help you save more than you can imagine!

Know what you spend the most on; keep a list of the items you buy regularly and track the prices over a few-month period. Then you can stock up when they reach the bottom of the range.

Keep your eyes open for unadvertised deals and coupons in the store. By combining sales and coupons, you can often get many things on your list for pennies on the dollar or even free.

Check the discounters - yes, the dollar stores! They often have more upscale items for savings you won't believe!

Store brands are one of the best, and most underutilized, benefits of a supermarket. Today their quality is comparable to the leading brands with few exceptions.  Comparing a full week’s grocery list, typically you can buy store brands for over half of the items on your list. On average, you can save 20 percent, but in some cases, you can save even more. Store-branded breakfast cereals, jams/jellies, cookies/crackers, paper goods, pasta and sauces, and cheese and dairy products can get you the best value (price and quality).

When fresh produce is not in season, the price goes up and (in some cases because of the time it takes to get to the store) the quality down - but not when you shop frozen. Frozen fruits and veggies are packed at their peak freshness, nutrition and in season. Read the ingredient list carefully as some prepackaged fruits and vegetables have add sugar or salt- and should be avoided- but plain frozen produce will save you more than fresh out of season picks. Check the expiration dates before you fill your cart; and remember, most frozen foods, when stored properly, can last up to a year in your home freezer.

Looking for more tips? Don’t worry SupermarketGuru has even more, so stay tuned and for now, happy savings!