Eat More Pay Less

Have you ever stopped to think about how much food the average American has in his house without even realizing it.  Yes, we all head to the fridge, hand our heads, and moan that there isn’t anything to eat, but what we mean is the fridge doesn’t have what I want to eat right now.

I challenge you to start making a list of what you actually do have in your house to eat though.  Believe me, you will be surprised.  Most of us have at least 2-3 boxes of pasta in a drawer or pantry, a couple of pieces of meat, some cans of soup, vegetables, beans, maybe a can or two of tuna fish.  When you sit down and think about it, there is enough food in the house already to feed your house for probably a month, the key is to use it.

Instead of going grocery shopping when you are hungry or in a hurry and you just throw everything that sounds good or is a quick meal into your cart, take a moment to sit down, write out what you already have in your house, and come up with a meal plan that will use up some of those things that are just sitting around.  Not only will this save you money on your grocery bill, these meals will likely be healthier because you are taking the time to plan them out and thus can ensure that you get so many vegetables and fruits per day other than french fries and cinnamon apples.

When you do go to the store, take your list along and only get what you need.  Grazing just adds extra expense and calories to your day.  You don’t really need that box of popsicles or that bag or cookies.  If you want something sweet, get the ingredients and make it yourself or with your kids.  This can be a great bonding time and then you also know what your kids are actually eating rather than all those unpronouncable chemicals listed on the back of boxes these days.  People don’t have as much money now, but because many are working less, they do have the extra time to spend with their kids cooking and creating shopping lists that ensure they stick to their budget.