Donegal Nutritionist Sorcha McElchar from Sorchas Healthy Living is back with her top tips to save money AND eat well all week.
Making a grocery list is not difficult, so why do so many people not make one before getting the groceries?? The three big reasons I feel making a grocery list is so important are.
- It saves you money by reducing your risk of impulse buying.
- It helps you remember ingredients, there’s nothing worse than landing home and realising you’ve forgotten something!
- It forces you to plan your weekly meals, at least roughly.
A good list always starts with a plan. Plan you weekly meals, then you will know what you need to buy.
Before making a list I usually go through the presses, fridge and even the freezer so I know what I already have. This is so I don’t buy something I already have. Preventing food wastage plays a big role in reducing your food bill. Think about it. If you are constantly buying food, but you end up throwing it out. Really you end up wasting money.
Never shop when hungry. You’ll end up impulse buying, usually foods that tend to be difficult to stop eating!
In saying that, there is a difference between ‘not impulse buying’ and ‘being really strict’. Just cause it’s not on the list doesn’t mean it’s a complete no no.
Also, don’t forget snacks! Snacks are not bad. In fact, snacks can help prevent overeating. They can include more important nutrients in your diet. They can also help curb hunger if it will be a while before your next main meal.
Some things you should do is check the dates on the foods you have in your fridge and freezer. Do a clean out before buying more food.
Even if you aren’t into meal planning of all the steps you could take to a healthier diet, making a grocery list is Definity a great one!
Shopping around isn’t a bad thing. Yes, it is easier to get everything in the one place, but if you really want to save money sometimes shopping around is the best.
Don’t be afraid to try ‘own brand’ foods. They are a lot less expensive AND can be just as nutritious if not more nutritious than more expensive brands.
Have a look at my Grocery List Like A Pro video.
heck out my Blog www.sorchashealthyliving.com for some easy to follow Recipe ideas
