When self-quarantining and working from home become necessary, you might also be scaling back your budget either of necessity or by choice. And yet in the process, you’re also spending more time cooking which, if you let it, can significantly increase your weekly grocery spend.
Yet by changing a few habits you can keep your grocery budget in check without sacrificing meal quality or quantity. Here are a few suggestions.
Meal Plan – One of the easiest ways to make your grocery dollar go farther is to plan your meals a week at a time. Choose meals you can double and freeze half for later in the week or use ingredients that can be turned into two meals. For example, roast two chickens and serve one as the main course one night, then use the leftovers to make chicken fajitas the next.
Mix and Match – Add fruit to savory dishes, make breakfast for dinner, add protein to a basic tossed salad by mixing in sliced up hard-boiled eggs, and use herbs and spices to enhance the flavor factor of your old standbys.
Make Your Own Stock – Simmer food scraps like veggies, leftover poultry (including bones) in water for at least four hours to make a large batch of stock or broth that can be used for soups, sauces, and more.
Raid Your Stash – Dig way back into your pantry, fridge, and freezer. Chances are you have more meal-worthy items on hand than you realize.
Remix Old Favorites – Make healthier versions of your favorite comfort foods. Add lots of veggies to your grandma’s pasta sauce recipe; stuff peppers with beans for a filling, inexpensive, vegetarian option to ground meat; or use cauliflower mash instead of potatoes for a healthier version of shepherd’s pie.
Learn How to Preserve – Preserving and canning extends the shelf-life of food while sealing in nutrients. Plus, it allows you to have out-of-season food any time of year. You can even find hands-on online classes if you’re unsure how to get started.
Grow Your Own – Whether it’s a small indoor garden or a large, raised outdoor bed, growing your own fruit, vegetables, and herbs will help you stretch your grocery dollars and provide you with fresh, healthy food at your fingertips. Plus, it gives you something to do while you spend more time at home.
Drink More Water – Sometimes, the body mistakes thirst for hunger. If you find yourself snacking more than you’d like, try to replace some of those snacks with a refreshing glass of water. Add flavor with strawberries, cucumbers, or citrus slices.
At Now Security Systems, we’re happy to pass along smart household moves just as we are to help keep your family and home safe from harm and unlawful entry. As always, just let us know how we can help.