Difficult, But Not Impossible
As a conscious gal watching her wallet and waist line, I am constantly determined to find the best groceries for the least amount of money.
I mean, who in this economy can afford to go crazy at the grocery store every week? Not I. We’ve made a strict budget in my house and (for the most part!) stick to it. Of course, there are some specialty items I can’t live without (medjool dates and good red wine?), but for the most part the grocery budget is going well. I’m not going to lie–it can be very difficult (but not impossible) to eat super healthy on a make-it-or-break-it budget, but here’s what has worked for me.
Here are some staples I buy at Costco, every two-three weeks:
- vanilla soymilk (pack of three)
- blueberries
- spinach
- organic greens
- feta cheese
- hummus
- melons
- yogurt
- frozen shrimp
- frozen chicken breast
- rotisserie chicken
Some staples I have at all times in the house:
- canned diced tomatoes
- raw nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews)
- chicken broth
- arborio (risotto) rice
- whole wheat pasta
- frozen soy dogs
- variety of herbal, green and black teas
- Ezekiel bread
- nut butter
- bananas
- frozen healthy meals (like Indian food or Amy’s)
- wine
- a variety of whole grain, all natural cereals
So I know you are all thinking to yourself: how much does she spend? I won’t disclose the actual amount, but I will say that I do a “large” grocery trip bi-weekly, and then weekly I do a “small” shop. Both are under $100. Usually, every other week I will head to Costco for the “bulk” (no pun intended) of my produce, and then later head over to my regular supermarket for a few things I don’t need in bulk. Farmer’s markets are also a wonderful way to save money on produce, as local fruit and veggies are cheaper than having your blueberries sent in from Mexico.
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Sorry, Rotisserie Chicken, while a great time saver, is not a staple.
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I’m curious if there’s a reason to not disclose the amount you spend. I swear I am not trying to be argumentative, but it’s frustrating to try to get an idea of what is “normal” when nobody wants to talk figures. Why should we be so reluctant to disclose figures if it helps others understand?
rothnh,
This article was meant to serve as an example of how I personally shop on a budget and yes, rotisserie chicken IS a staple in my house. It might not be in your house but since this article was written by way of opinion of how one woman shops, it stands as a staple.
Love that you included Costco Jenna! I don’t think people realize how much that membership pays itself off!
As always great article/post!
Kate
I get why Jenna chose not to post how much she spends on groceries each week because the cost of groceries vary so wildly from state to state what she can buy for $100 may cost $150 somewhere else. I live in Arkansas and attempt to eat healthy and diet on a budget. My grocery budget is $70 a week for 2 adults and a 1 year old who drinks organic milk and includes most of my household stuff like toilet paper, toothpaste ect. I try to buy as much organic as possible and to do this I have to search out sales, and use coupons to buy staples like cottage cheese, flour, frozen veggies, and organic cereal. Also I make whole grain bread items like pizza crust and pitas and freeze them. I blog here http://www.fatgirlwholovescake.blogspot.com/