That's Fit

Seven years ago, I found myself unemployed for a while. I tried to trim costs wherever I could -- disconnecting my cable TV, terminating my cell phone service, and doing everything I could to lower my grocery bill. When you're trying to cut costs that $0.79 box of mac n' cheese starts to look awfully good. Unfortunately, my low cost grocery shopping had a price I didn't want to pay -- I gained weight and plenty of it.

With today's grocery costs, everyone has to think of their budget when shopping whether you're in a temporary financial hardship like I was, or at the top of your financial game. Luckily, you can stay within your budget and still feed your family a nutritious meal. Some tips:

• Eat locally and in season. When you visit farmer's markets, you cut out the middle man and cut out some of the cost.
  
• Get a green thumb. Planting your own garden is by far the most cost effective method for fresh produce -- plus you'll get the added perk of physical activity.

I have a horrible habit of grocery shopping without a list, or often even without a menu in mind. Many weeks, that means that I come home with impulse purchases I don't need. Even if it's a healthy purchase -- two pounds of leeks last week, for instance (they were on sale!) -- I still have to figure out what to do with them.

Ediets has an interesting solution -- the 5-minute shopping list. They recommend that you keep your receipts week-to-week and create your list off of those. Then, add in new items you know you need and allow yourself three or four empty slots for impulse purchases. If you're a hardcore impulse shopper, they recommend faxing in your order or ordering online, if your supermarket offers those options.

I do need to be more organized so that I don't forget items I need, but those impulse purchases of mine have led to some great new recipes. Those leeks turned into a delicious pumpkin and leek soup, a dish I never would have cooked up otherwise.