Meal Planning On A Budget

Food costs are rising these days, so it’s essential to learn how to meal plan on a budget! There are several great ways to lower your food costs:

Plan your meals.
Shop for sales.
Cook for in bulk.
Use leftovers.
Make simple meals!
Avoid pre-packaged meals.
Store food properly.

Plan Your Meals

Before heading to the grocery store, plan your meals for the week. Consider what you already have in your pantry, what’s in season, and what’s on sale. Make a grocery list based on these factors to keep costs low. Don’t forget to keep in mind any events you have planned for the week – this may impact how much food you need to buy or what kind of meals you’ll have time to prepare.

Shop For Sales

Take advantage of sales and buy in-season produce, typically less expensive and more flavorful. For example, apples are plentiful in the fall, and clementines are often on sale around Christmas.

Also, consider purchasing store-brand or generic items, as they are often cheaper and just as good as name-brand products. This is an excellent idea for various ingredients, such as canned beans or vegetables or beef or chicken broth.

Cook In Bulk

Cooking in bulk can save time and money. Make large batches of meals and freeze the extra portions for later in the week. This saves you from having to prepare meals from scratch every day. It’s so handy to get something out to thaw the night before and have it all ready for dinner the next day!

Use Leftovers

Repurpose leftovers into new meals, such as turning grilled chicken into a salad or using cooked vegetables in a stir-fry. If you’re not a creative cook, you can save leftovers for lunch the next day!

Make Simple Meals

Focus on simple, staple ingredients such as rice, pasta, and beans, which are affordable and versatile. Mix and match these ingredients to create different meals throughout the week. One of my very favourite simple meals is grilled cheese – it tastes so good and is cheap and easy to make!

Avoid pre-packaged meals

Pre-packaged meals and snacks are often more expensive and less nutritious than homemade alternatives. Instead, opt for fresh, whole ingredients and make your own meals. Cooking doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated – you can make a great meal with just a few essential ingredients!

Store Food Properly

Proper food storage can help reduce food waste and keep your meals fresh. Store food in airtight containers, label them and keep them in the refrigerator or freezer to extend their shelf life. The last thing you want is to pull something out of the freezer and then realize it’s freezer burned!