Savvy Shopping: Grocery-Store Style

With ads for $.99 Big Macs and cheapy fries, it can take a little more work to eat a healthy, great-tasting meals and snacks. While I’m not the world’s best cook, I am a gal who loves food and healthy eating (and seeking out fun new snack foods!) so I’m willing to seek out the deals and learn what’s worth it and what’s not.

As your fab new in-the-know best friend (if I do say so myself, ha!),

let me share with you five easy tips to help reign in your food budget:

Eat what’s in season!

The best, easy tip to save money is to buy what’s in season. Here’s a great chart to use as a guide. Buy watermelon, grapes and strawberries now and hold off on... .

Try frozen fruits and veggies.
Are you someone who constantly tosses your produce because you don't eat it in time? Buy frozen; it lasts much longer. I love adding frozen veggies with some olive oil, salt and pepper, in a skillet along with a protein and whipping up a quick stir-fry. Add soy, ponzu or teriyaki sauce, too. Avoid frozen meals and veggies with pre-made sauces that are loaded with artificial ingredients and tons of sodium. If you can’t pronounce an ingredient, it’s not for you.

Pay attention to prices.
Don’t just buy, buy, buy! Notice costs, including fruit and veggies per pound. You’ll be surprised how quickly you recognize when items are a better value. And, compare seemingly similar items: thin-sliced chicken can be 40 percent more than regular breasts. Save a lot by taking two minutes at home to slice in half or pound thin (good stress reliever, too!). Sometimes the convenience is worth it -- like buying diced butternut squash or cut brocoli -- but often it's not.

Buy on sale.
Sounds obvious, right? Do it, but be more strategic. It might take a few weeks to see the savings because you first need to stock up during sales on your go-to items (though don't go to the extreme like what's on TV lately; no one needs 93 ketchups!). Think almonds, granola or paper towels. Notice the sales so you can avoid buying for full price when you’re completely out. I love BOGOs (Buy One Get One) sales added with coupons from my Sunday paper or from Coupons.com. I’m usually saving at least 30-40 percent each week, with hardly any work involved. You do not have to be a crazy coupon lady! And, once you stock up you don't have to worry about buying the same product every week; you'll have it. I'm stocked on everything from preserves to shaving cream! For those who are really interested, there's an "un-couponing" method by Jodi at Live FabuLESS that masses of women go nuts for. Haven't done it yet, but considering it soon because this gal has never steered me wrong; love her. She saves without sacrificing. Totally my motto, ladies!

Cook more than you need
This one is more about saving time than money because to me --- time is the most valuable commodity in the world! Even though I’m typically only cooking for two, I make enough for at least one or two more days. Tilapia one night can be transformed into fish tacos the next night without the hassle of making more fish. I do the same with chicken. Make chicken breasts with black beans, rice and grilled onions one night and go for fajitas or a salad topped with chicken the next.

Hope this is helpful... ask questions: always do my best to answer!