Grocery costs have reached an all time high and its taken a toll on all of our budgets! So today we are going to learn how with a bit of planning, preparation, and some savvy shopping tips, you can enjoy a healthy lifestyle without spending a fortune. Whether you’re trying to eat more fruits and vegetables, avoid processed foods, or simply save money, these practical tips will help you stay on track and help save money. Here are some of my favorite ways to eat healthy while keeping your grocery costs down.

1. Plan Ahead- Make a grocery list and stick to it. The best way to avoid impulse buying is to plan what you need before you get to the store. That way you are not tempted to buy things that you don’t need.
2. Be Prepared- Pack your lunches, snacks, and eat before you go out. When you pack your own food you save money, and you always know what is in your food!
3. Buy in Bulk- There are times when it is smart to buy in bulk. One example is discounted meat. If you look for discounts on meat and buy it in big batches, you can store it in your freezer until you are ready to use it. It is also smart to buy products in bulk that you use a lot. For example, if you use a lot of lettuce, look for one large bag, and compare the price to two smaller bags. Chances are, buying more of something that you will use will save you money in the long run.
4. Buy Frozen- If you think you won’t be able to use something up before it spoils such as fruit or vegetables, buy them frozen. Not only will this save you money, but it will prevent you from throwing money away on spoiled groceries.
5. Buy In-Season Produce- Food grown in season is not only more affordable, but it also tastes better. Look for root vegetables in the winter, apples, potatoes, and squash in the fall, and broccoli and berries in the summer. Farmers markets may also have a better deal on produce than grocery stores.
6. Buy Generic- Name brands often have increased prices due to the packaging and advertising costs. Look for a generic brand instead!
   
7. Clip Coupons- Sign up for newsletters and download the app if the grocery store has one to learn about sales and deals at the stores you frequently shop at. Investing a few looking at sales each week can save you a lot of money on groceries without a lot of effort!
   
8. Get the Customer Card- Many grocery stores hold sales and specials for customer card holders only. Signing up for these costumer cards are often free and only require a phone number.
9. Buy a Reusable Water Bottle- Don’t spend money on soft drinks, juices, or bottled water. Instead invest in a few nice water bottles and refill them. Not only will this save you money, but it will save you tons of sugar and calories!
10. Avoid Pre-Cut and Pre-Packaged Items- Pre-cut vegetables, fruits, and meats often come with a higher price tag. Buying whole items and prepping them yourself is cheaper.

With a little planning and smart shopping, saving money at the grocery store can become a natural part of your routine. xo Katie