How to Save Money on Food

You just got home from a hard day. Your stomach is growling. Now, before you panic and order a pizza, follow this simple strategy that over time will save you a bundle of money.

1.) Check the fridge for leftovers. If you want to save money, it's important not to let any food go to waste. How easy it is to follow a costly craving before even opening the door of your cooler to know what is waiting for you. There is probably something in there that is longing to be consumed before its expiration date. Shh! Do you hear that? 'Choose me, choose me!' It's coming from the vegetable drawer. You'd forgotten all about that excellent deal you got on produce, and soon it will be too late! 'No, choose me!' Now, were you about to order pizza and forsake last night's left-over casserole?

2.) Casseroles and soups are excellent opportunities to creatively use the ingredients you already have. Frozen vegetables are as nutritious as fresh and can always be kept on hand to sprinkle into one of these dishes. It's also good to have whole grains and pastas in air-tight containers in the cabinet. These basic ingredients are very versatile and easy to cook.

3.) Grains can be bought in bulk and will last a long time if stored properly. Buying in bulk, you spend more money at the time but save money overall. Also, when there is a sale on non-perishable items, stock up! There are some things, like tomato sauce, for which you should never have to pay full price.

4.) To save even more money, combine coupons with sale items. If you can stand the discipline, cut them from your circulars and stay organized so you'll remember to use them on time. Most of my coupons were mailed to me from manufacturers, and they do not have expiration dates. This is because I am a picky customer. If I am not satisfied with a product, I complain! When I found my tortillas crumbly or when my favorite cereal changed their recipe, I wrote letters, and in response I received coupons. The company doesn't want to lose your business, so they'll give incentive to try them again.

5.) It is often true that the less processed a food, the less money it will cost. The epitome of this is a garden, which costs nothing in packaging, other people's labor, or transportation. If you grow your own vegetables and herbs and save the seeds for the following year, you could eat for free for a long time. Plus it can be a lot of fun to watch the process of life unfold. You don't need land, just some soil in pots and a little daily attention.

I hope this little article might bring some inspiration. You are what you eat, and by using the tips above you will be doing more than saving money. You will be eating healthier foods and reducing waste, contributing to a healthier body and a healthier planet.