How To Survive Rising Food Prices

How are you dealing with the high cost of food these days? Rising food prices can be quite stressful for many individuals and families. Below are lists of helpful ideas-all great practices that will save you money.

However, the challenge in following these lists is that most of us are overwhelmed with where to begin. We live busy lives and don’t know where or how to make changes in our food buying routines.

The first real step in saving money on food is to feel a sense of control and gradually form new habits from that place of control. Here is how to make changes with your food, food shopping and meal preparation-one small step at a time.

1-Clean and organize your pantry, refrigerator and freezer. This may take some time. Do it at your pace, over days if you need to. Note all the best by or expiration dates and re-write them to be easily seen on the packages. Then arrange the longest lasting foods in the back and the sooner to be used foods in the front. Now you are gaining a sense of control and know what you already have. Perhaps you also want to write down what you have in your inventory. Seeing it on paper will help you plan meals more easily.

2-Jot down meal ideas that your family enjoys and plan a weekly menu. Try to incorporate some of the food you already have at home.

3-Make a shopping list. Shop when you are not rushed, when the store is not crowded and when you can go alone to focus on the task at hand. Remember not to shop when you are hungry or thirsty.

4-Pick one suggestion to make use of on this trip. Perhaps you will compare unit prices, substitute store brands for name brands, purchase ingredients to bake something from scratch. You decide what you feel comfortable starting with.

5-After you feel you can comfortably do all of the above, it will be time to pick another change you feel at ease with. Perhaps that is serving breakfast for dinner once a week, making meals with less meat, or substituting more natural snacks for the expensive prepared (and not so healthy ones.)

Do you have the time and interest to start preparing double batches of meals and freeze one of each? Can you limit eating out and take-out in favor of home cooked meals, perhaps cooked by the family? Do you bring your own food and beverages for lunch and when you are out and about? Have you ever challenged yourself to create one meal with just the food that is already in the house? Are you open to shopping a lower price point markets such as Trader Joes, Aldi and Lidl?

Did You Know…

You can return damaged or food discovered to be spoiled to the supermarket. Do not hesitate. Have your receipt or the purchase recorded on a store card for the best chances of a successful return.

Keeping your refrigerator and pantry organized and in order will save you money because food won’t be lost in the back and left to spoil. Wasted food is money thrown away.

Using vitality essential oils can save you money. If you have basil, thyme, oregano, lime, orange, lemon, peppermint, cinnamon and more, you do not have to purchase a whole fruit or a whole bunch of herbs for a little flavor-no waste for when you need just a little bit. Here is a link to get you started cooking with essential oils: Cooking With Essential Oils. and here is a link to purchase them: Purchase Essential Oils (Vitality Line for Cooking) Here