So let’s talk about rising grocery prices, eating healthier in a new year, all while keeping your financial goals in check. There’s no doubt that all of the above seem to be working against you. But making wiser choices for your body doesn’t necessarily mean making unwise choices for your finances. You will need to avoid some pitfalls and be intentional, but there are plenty of options to eat healthier in the new year without spending too much.
Don’t Freak Out Over a Meme
I’ve seen a lot of scary memes and headlines lately when it comes to grocery store prices. But in actuality, the differentiation of prices in what I buy has increased but not by a ton. So rather than whipping yourself into a frenzy, pay attention to what you’re actually spending. You will probably notice an increase but not a huge one.
Don’t Overbuy Produce
There’s a tendency to go overboard when we turn over a new leaf. This means we come home overambitious and fill our fridges with more fruits and veggies than our families could possibly eat before it spoils. This leads to both food and financial waste. Instead, shop with a specific meal plan and grocery list (read more tips about doing this here and here). And be realistic about what you can consume. Look for fruits and veggies with longer shelf life and do what you can to expand their freshness at home. Read How to Keep Fruits and Veggies Fresh For Longer for more ideas.
Don’t Shop Without a Plan
Speaking of, a meal plan and a grocery list are your best friends BEFORE you hit the aisles. Both ensure you buy what you actually need and help eliminate what’s called choice distraction. Choice distraction fascinates me but the basic premise revolves around how many times you have to say no to yourself in the grocery store. Having a list helps make this process easier and more effective. Even if you jot down your list on the back of a receipt in the parking lot before going into the store, you’ll have a more cost effective trip.
Don’t Fall Asleep at the Register
It’s a bizarre time in world history and this translates down to every level of existence. Due to staff shortages and overworking, your grocery store attendant may be new or not on their A game. It’s easy for systems to get overloaded or mistakes to happen. So pay close attention while your items are being rang up. However, BE KIND. Again, some of those new to the workforce are literally kids. It may be their first job. The world is a fragile place. Ask questions and advocate for yourself but don’t be a jerk.
Don’t Skip Meal Prep
I’ve seen the jokes about bringing home groceries to only order pizza. The struggle is real. Even going to the grocery store is an investment in time and stress right now. For this reason, build your meal plan with an easy option to eat when you get home. And then if at all possible begin doing some basic meal prep. I don’t have time to cook for an entire day and you probably don’t either. But an investment of an hour or less can pay off in the week to come. From chopping fruits and veggies so they’re at your fingertips to prepping things like meat and rice in advance, you can set yourself up for success without spending a ton of time.
Don’t Rely On Your Old Recipes
If you’re like me and you’re looking to increase your intake of more nutritious foods, you may feel like you’re in a rut without too many options. However, a little simple research can yield a myriad of ideas. After hemming and hawing over meal box subscriptions last week, I made the choice to download the budget bytes app instead. It’s a great recipe app that has a lot of healthy options and easily adjusts the recipes based on how many people you’re cooking for. Plus you can create your own “Cookbooks” with recipes you like and save to them. My favorite Cookbook on the app is titled “No One Will Like This But Me.” There’s a free site but the ad free organization of the app is nice and it comes in at $3.99 for a one time purchase. I tried out two recipes this week and they were a hit. I feel like I’ve already gotten my money’s worth on it. Plus new recipes are released every week and I like scrolling recipes more than I like doomscrolling social media right now.
Don’t Get Caught in the Grocery/Restaurant Paradigm
Our brains do weird things when we’re shopping. For instance, most of us will pay more for items if the shipping is free. And when we’re in the grocery store it’s no different. In a restaurant, 2 cookies for $4 or $5 can seem like a good deal. However, a bag or box of cookies for $5 seems steep in the grocery store. Or how many of us will drop $40 on a dinner out with a family of four, but put back a package of meat because there’s a cheaper one? Realize that shopping at the grocery store may be a bit more expensive right now, but it’s still cheaper than dining out. It doesn’t hurt to watch every penny. However, effective meal planning means you can splurge here and there if you’re actually eating at home. Enjoy the healthy foods you love instead of hitting the drive through.
Will it take a little work? You betcha. Is it worth it? 100% Your health and your wallet can both improve in the new year if you pay a little closer attention to what you’re putting in your mouth and your cart. Save restaurant experiences as splurges and flip on some Netflix for an hour while you prepare for the week ahead.
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. All prices are subject to change.
