Eat Clean On a Budget
Get Creative With Coupons
Most coupons in the weekly paper are for unhealthy, processed foods, but some manufacturers have coupons on their websites and some natural foods stores have online coupons as well. Shop around online before going to the store to find the best coupons available.
Shop Around
Look at the sales flyer for the stores you shop at online and plan your meals based on what the weekly specials are. If you notice a great deal on a product you use a lot of and can store easily, try to make a trip to stock up and take advantage of a great deal. Social media can also be a great resource for finding great deals. Connect with the stores you visit and keep an eye out for specials and sales.
Buy In Bulk
Buying in bulk can help keep costs down. Wholesale retailers are starting to carry more natural and organic products in bulk sizes. Bulk sections in the grocery store are great for buying whole grains and raw nuts. Some farmers will sell meat in bulk if you can buy and store large amounts. Discount retail websites carry some products in bulk as well.
Cook From Scratch
Most of the expensive foods in grocery stores are the convenience, processed foods. Purchasing whole foods and processing them yourself will cut down on costs. Make your own soup instead of buying a can, buy raw meat instead of cooked, processed meats, and make your own frozen meals. Making homemade sweets once in a while is a great alternative to highly processed sweets from a grocery store.
Limit Unnecessary Spending
Soda, candy, chips and packages snacks are not necessities. Water is the most important beverage, and you can save money by skipping the carbonated beverages and juices. Fruits and vegetables make great snacks, and they are usually much cheaper than processed snacks. Buy fruits like bananas and oranges that come in their very own biodegradable packaging.
Make It A Group Effort
If transportation is difficult, or if you do not live near a grocery store where fresh produce is available, form a buying group in your neighborhood. Organize a carpool schedule to ensure everybody in your neighborhood has the opportunity to purchase high quality foods.
