When you have a million things to do on a given day, it can be easy for dinner to become an afterthought. And on those days when 5:30 rolls around and you haven’t had a chance to consider the “what’s for dinner” question, most of us end up doing one of two things: either making a panicked last-minute trip to the grocery store or heading straight for the delivery menus.
While there’s certainly no shame in the occasional takeout meal, going out to eat on a regular basis can become expensive fast. Cooking for a family can seem like a daunting task at times, but it’s completely possible to provide your family with nutritious, satisfying meals without breaking the bank or stressing yourself out. The following tips will help you manage mealtime planning and, most importantly, will help save you money at the grocery store:
1. Meal plan
Planning out your meals for the week is one of the best ways to save money on groceries. On Saturday or Sunday, decide what you’ll be making for lunch and/or dinner for each day of the week and compile a list of all the ingredients you’ll need. This way, you won’t be tempted to buy things “just in case” that you won’t actually use. Taking a weekly inventory of your pantry and refrigerator can also ensure you aren’t buying things you don’t need.
2. Stick to your list
Once you have a grocery list written, make sure you stick to it! Not deviating from your grocery list of essentials will eliminate unnecessary purchases or impulse buys that end up wasting you money. Only letting yourself buy what you really need is also a good way to cut down on junk food that probably won’t make your meal planning lists.
3. Clip coupons
If you’re not using coupons, you’re missing out on huge potential savings opportunities. You don’t have to be an extreme coupon user to find great deals on products you use on a daily basis. Look in the newspaper and online for coupons to your favorite stores and start saving immediately.
4. Embrace frozen foods
Do you find yourself constantly throwing out food that’s gone bad? Try buying frozen foods instead—you can find everything from frozen fruits and vegetables to pie crusts and desserts in the freezer section of your supermarket. Frozen foods last for ages, so one package of something can be used for dozens of meals over an extended time period, and you’ll cut down on food waste.
5. Cook for the freezer
Cook in large batches and put leftovers in the freezer to get the most out of your ingredients and have backup meals prepared for busy nights. With meals in the freezer, you won’t need to spend money on pizza delivery and can have a hearty, satisfying dinner on the table in minutes.
Use these tips to save money at dinnertime and become more organized and confident in the kitchen! Feeling good about your grocery and cooking habits will allow you enjoy your family mealtime, stress-free.
Author Bio: This is a guest post by Brittany Jones on behalf of Marie Callender’s. For family-friendly meals like chicken pot pie, along with quick weeknight dinners under 500 calories, visit www.mariecallendersmeals.com.
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