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Jumpstart Your Fitness: By saving money on groceries

Categories: Nutrition & Supplements

For many families one of the largest monthly expenses is the grocery bill. Prices are going up all the time, plus if you're interested in healthy options it doesn't help that companies usually like to charge more for the "organic" and "all-natural" versions of their popular foods. But with the right strategy you can keep that register total to a reasonable amount, and with it make your health and fitness goals that much easier to reach and maintain. Tricks like buying in bulk as much as possible, never shopping on an empty stomach, and buying off-brand products can really make a difference. See more ideas in this article from off-grid, and please share with us if you have any of your own tips on slashing your food bill.

12 ways to save money on groceries(click thumbnails to view gallery)

Buy in bulkSet a budgetShop Farmer's MarketsMake your own jams and jelliesPlan for leftovers
  • Buy in bulk Buying in bulk means getting a better deal overall -- just make sure you limit it to non-perishable items and food your family will easily be able to eat before it goes bad.
  • Set a budget Make a shopping list and stick to it, and keep a tally of how much you're spending as you go through the store.
  • Shop Farmer's Markets Farmer's Markets are more popular than ever, which means they're easier to find than ever. They're great because you can almost always find fresh, organic, local produce at good prices.
  • Make your own jams and jellies. Making jam and jelly sounds like a luxury, but they aren't exactly cheap in the store -- and setting aside just one evening for canning can keep your family in fruit sweets all year.
  • Plan for leftovers It kinda falls under the idea of buying in bulk -- get a slightly bigger roast or ham with the intention of having leftovers for lunch sandwiches or stew the next day.
  • Use everything Scrape every last bit from every can and squeeze it from every bottle, and use leftover veggies and meat/bones for free stews and soups.
  • Cut down on (or give up!) junk food Processed junk foods might look cheap sometimes but most of the time they'll only lead to cravings and cause you to eat more than you would have otherwise. Not to mention your health will suffer!
  • Buy drinks to last the week Instead of buying from vending machines throughout the week you can save big bucks by stocking yourself and your family with thermoses full off coffee, milk, juice, whatever!
  • Buy produce only when it's in season Produce bought when it's "in season" is not only cheaper but it tastes better too.
  • Raid the cupboard Most pantries have all kinds of food going to waste in the form of only half empty pasta, rice, and lentil containers.
  • Think like a student Students and young adults are famous for making their dollars stretch, so think like them! Focus on what you want to do with the money you save and keep it in a jar so you can see the results at the end of the week or month.
  • Plan ahead for the weekly menu Write down what you want meals to be for the week, make a list and get everything you need at once. This will limit random runs to the corner store -- they almost always include some kind of impulse purchases!

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