I love the summer months for so many reasons. The longer days of sunlight provide the opportunity to play outside until the fireflies come out (and a wee bit longer). The warmer weather means more walks, bike rides, and trail hikes.
The summer also provides a unique opportunity to focus on my health, too. Fruits and veggies drop in price and sound more appetizing. The temperature outside makes grilling lean meats and vegetables easier to do. It’s a misnomer that it’s more expensive to eat healthfully than it is to buy frugal junk foods.
We often fall into the temptation of believing the lie that it costs more to eat healthfully. Far from the truth, you actually save money by eating healthier foods. Plus, the drop in their price during the summer months allows you to maximize your nutritional benefits while minimizing your spending. These tips help all shoppers make better choices about both the foods they eat and the money they spend.
1. Shop the Perimeter
Imagine in your mind’s eye your favorite grocery store. Think about where the different items are located in said store. The next time you shop, do your best to buy items located only around the perimeter of the store.
Fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy typically ring the store, laying on the outer edges. The aisles in between are filled with tempting pitfalls – sugary snacks, sodas, chips, and junk foods. While it might seem like a $0.99 bag of chips is more economical than an apple or two for the same price, the chips are empty calories. Not only will you crave a sweet dessert or beverage to follow the salty snack, you’ll find you’re still hungry even after two to three servings. The apple keeps your body fuller for longer.
Spend as little time as possible going down those middle aisles. While there are a few necessary items located on their shelves (hello coffee), most of the foods you don’t need to eat or buy.
2. Begin the Day With Oats
One of the few exceptions to the principle of skipping the middle aisles? Oats. The breakfast that your grandma (and her grandma) ate is one of the most affordable and healthiest foods for you, too.
Just be sure you opt for the large container of plain variety of quick oats over the flavored, smaller packages. Most are filled sugar and extra additives you don’t need. Add your own favorite flavors like cinnamon, fresh fruit, honey, nuts, or even peanut butter to enhance its flavor and nutritional value. Even with toppings this breakfast comes in at less than a $0.25 per serving and gives your body the fuel it needs to operate all day long.
3. Decide About Organics
I won’t lie. More than once I’ve been confused about what I should and shouldn’t buy. Reading labels on foods can make even an educated girl go cross-eyed. While I’m not a nutritionist, many experts suggest buying organic when it comes to the “dirty dozen.” These twelve fruits and veggies have thinner outer skins, making them more susceptible to pesticides.
If this is a concern for you, consider purchasing organic when it comes to strawberries, spinach, pears, apples, tomatoes, nectarines, grapes, peaches, cherries, celery, potatoes, and sweet bell peppers.
In the end, do your own research and decide whether or not you’ll purchase organic grown foods for your family. Many grocery stores now offer affordable options when it comes to these foods. Consider checking out my favorite places to buy organic on a budget – ALDI, Fresh Thyme, and Kroger.
4. Skip the Pre-Packaged Diet Foods
They seem so easy and tempting. 100 calorie snack packs, low fat, sugar free, low sodium – each of the labels call out to us, suggesting if we purchase them we’ll lose those last pesky ten pounds.
Again, labels can be confusing and while all of these items may not be bad for your budget or your waistline, many create the same unhealthy patterns we’ve put in place with their junk food accomplices. Think twice before you pick up these foods. You’re still better off focusing on whole foods like fruits, veggies, lean meats, and rice.
While not marketed as diet foods, you need to avoid pre-cut fruits and vegetables whenever possible, too. Slicing things up yourself saves a bundle and really doesn’t require much more time or expertise on your part.
5. Shop (and Grow) in Season Then Freeze
Last but not least, to eat well without overspending, watch the weekly sales ads. These ads don’t just bring to you the rotation of deals at your favorite big box retailers. If you pay close attention, you can also discover what fruits and vegetables are currently in season and thus priced lower.
Choose your favorite produce that’s in season over what just sounds good. Stock up and freeze items when their prices are low and thaw them when the prices rise again.
You can of course during the summer months more easily grow your favorite nutritional foods. However, pay close attention to how much money and time you’re spending by growing a garden. Measure those factors up against what the same produce costs you in the store to make sure your efforts are worthwhile.
6. Head to the Farmer’s Market
During the warmer months, hitting your local Farmer’s Market provides an opportunity to save money on locally grown fruits and veggies. To maximize your savings, consider going later in the day. Many vendors discount their products before they pack them up to head home.
7. Buy Grains in Bulk
When it comes to kitchen staples like rice and dried beans, consider buying a bulk supply over individual or family sized servings. Most of these items have a long shelf life and when purchased in bulk can last for months. You’ll always have something on hand to fix as a side dish and you’ll save more money, too.
Eating well and spending less are not mutually exclusive. Be a smart shopper and think twice about the foods you put in your body. Leverage the summer months to get into the routine of trimming the fat in your diet and your budget. Your bank account and pants will both thank you.
Your Money, Your Marriage releases September 25th from Zondervan Harper Collins Christian and is already available for pre-sale now everywhere books are sold.
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal, learn about a way to save, or maybe even something for free, I may end up making a small commission.
