Simple and easy things that you can do when choosing, purchasing, and preparing foods that will save time, eat healthier and save some dollars and “cents.”
Below are simple and easy things that you can do to save money, eat healthy, have extra food in your pantry and freezer, and avoid making unexpected trips to the grocery store.
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Reduced meat section of your grocery store’s meat department
When shopping in your local grocery store’s meat department, locate their reduced meats’ section. The meats are reduced in price because their “sell by“ dates are getting ready to expire, so they need to be sold quickly. These meats are still good, but they have to be eaten sooner than regular priced meats or they can be frozen to eat later.
The savings are generally one-third or more off of the regular price. Do not be embarrassed about asking the meat department for the location of these meats. They are happy to see the reduced meats sell. If they are not sold, it will lower their bottom profit line.
Growing herbs inside
Buy your favorite herb seeds, plant them in flower pots and place them in your window. As they grow and mature, pinch off some of the leaves. Rub the leaves between your fingers to bring out their essence, then drop and stir them into your food.
No peeling potatoes for mashed potatoes
Instead of peeling potatoes with a knife when making mashed potatoes, wash and boil the unpeeled potatoes until they are done. Carefully drain the hot water. Then place the cooked potatoes in cold water, let them cool to touch and peel the skin off. Reheat in microwave before mashing. This will save a lot of time while keeping more of the potato.
Revive slightly stale bread
If bread becomes mildly stale, simply wrap it loosely in plastic wrap and place in the microwave for ten seconds or so. It should revive the bread making it feel fresh again.
Summer and fall gardens
Try growing a summer and or a fall garden. If this is not possible, buy fruits and vegetables at your local farmer’s market. By doing this, you are supporting your local farmers and you will know if chemical pesticides were used or if they were organically grown.
Organic or not organic
While on a tight budget and buying a lot of organic foods is not affordable, then try to buy the organic thin skinned fruits and vegetables such as grapes, peaches, plums and tomatoes. In my experience, these fruits and vegetables are more apt to absorb a higher concentration of chemical pesticides that were possibly sprayed on the nonorganic ones. Fruits, such as bananas and oranges have thick skins and have less of a potential for pesticides staying in them after washing and or peeling.
Keep inexpensive long shelf life foods
Keeping several bags of pastas and rice in your pantry can be great for a simple and quick lunch or dinner. Just add fresh or canned vegetables or herbs.
In making conscious choices on where and what foods you by and how they are prepared, will enable you to eat healthier, spend less money and have less stress.
