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Are you tired of spending a fortune on food every month? Do you want to learn how to save money on meals and your weekly grocery bill? Then these tips on how to save money with meal planning are just what you need!
Meal planning is a great way to save money on food and eat healthier at the same time. It involves planning your meals in advance, making a grocery list, and shopping for ingredients accordingly. By doing this, you’ll avoid impulse purchases, food waste, and unnecessary trips to the grocery store, all of which can add up and eat into your budget. It can also help you eat more nutritious, balanced meals, reduce stress and decision fatigue, plus it’s an activity that you can involve your whole family in.
Meal planning is a powerful tool for saving money on food, but it can be overwhelming to get started, so make be sure to check out our post on meal planning! With a little bit of practice and a few tricks, you can master the art of meal planning and reap the rewards of saving money on meals.
Here are some tips that can help you save money with meal planning:
Make a List and Stick to It
Before you go shopping, make a list of the meals you plan to make for the week, including breakfasts, lunches, dinners and any snacks. Then, create a grocery list based on your meal plan, and stick to it while you shop. This can help you avoid impulse purchases that can add up and eat into your budget.
Cook in Bulk and Freeze Leftovers
Cooking in bulk can save you time and money in the long run. Make large batches of soups, stews, curries and casseroles that can be frozen and reheated later. You can also cook large amounts of chicken or beef and use it for multiple meals throughout the week.
Choose Cheaper Ingredients
When you’re planning your meals, choose cheaper ingredients that are still healthy and filling. For example, brown rice, dried beans, and frozen vegetables can be more affordable than their fresh counterparts. Consider using cheaper cuts of meat or opting for meatless meals.
Plan Around Sales and Weekly Specials
Take advantage of sales and weekly specials when you’re meal planning. Look at the weekly circulars and plan your meals around what’s on sale. You can also use coupons to save money on groceries. Just be sure to only use coupons for items you were planning to buy anyway.
Eat Seasonally
Fruits and vegetables that are in season are often less expensive than those that are out of season. Plan your meals around what’s in season and you’ll save money on food.
Slow Cooker for the Win on Busy Nights!
When you’re short on time but still want a hot, home-cooked meal, the slow cooker is a winner. Using a slow cooker for busy nights is a great way to save money on meals. Save money by buying cheaper cuts of meat that require long cooking times, like pork shoulder or beef chuck, which are typically less expensive than more premium cuts. Plus, the slow cooker is incredibly versatile, making everything from soups and stews to casseroles, curries and roasts, and even desserts in it! Simply set up the slow cooker in the morning and let it cook all day, so your dinner is ready when you get home. Â Give it a try and see how much you can save.
Check out all our easy and tasty slow cooker meals here!
Cut Back on Takeaways and Eating Out
Takeaways and eating out can be a major drain on your budget. Plan to eat at home as much as possible and save eating out for special occasions. You’ll save money and probably eat healthier too.
Build in Easy Cheat Nights
Give yourself a break by planning for easy meals that don’t require much prep or cooking. This can include leftovers, sandwiches, or frozen meals. These easy meals can be a welcome break from more elaborate meal planning and can help you stick to your budget. By building in easy cheat nights, you can still save money on meals without sacrificing convenience or taste.
By following these tips on how to save money with meal planning, you can save money on food and have more time to enjoy with your family and loved ones.
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