How does weekly menu planning help to save money?

Dmytro   2013-11-10

Weekly menu planning is a powerful tool helping to save money on groceries. Here are some tips on how to use it as such. Following these tips will reduce the amount spent on groceries without compromising neither your health nor the tastiness of food.

Follow the discounts! When you are planning your weekly menu, do not forget to take into account possible discounts.

Make a list! Never forget to make a shopping list before going shopping, and do follow it! Try to avoid buying food just because it looks tasty or “just in case”. This way you will stay within your budget.

Do not buy too much! In your shopping list mark the amount of each ingredient you need and remember to follow it. Often you see discounts such as “2 for the price of one”. Use it wisely. Before buying consider whether you will manage to eat it all, or will it spoil? This is especially true for groceries with a short shelf life.

Use leftovers! Leave one meal in your plan empty or plan a meal using leftovers. We generally plan on it the end of the week. Such meals are usually fast to prepare, so they can also be planned for the busy day.

Do not buy too much! In your shopping list mark the amount of each ingredient you need and remember to follow it. Often you see discounts such as “2 for the price of one”. Use it wisely. Before buying consider whether you will manage to eat it all, or will it spoil? This is especially true for groceries with a short shelf life.

Use seasonal food! There are foods, especially fruit and vegetables, which are much cheaper when they are in season. Use this by planning to cook such produce just when it is in season. Alternatively, you can remove from your recipe selection the meals which use groceries which are not in season now and choose from the rest.

Do not be afraid of frozen or canned food! Use both when planning your meals, if the recipe allows it. Especially when fresh produce is not in season, canned or frozen alternatives will help you to eat healthier, especially if you select low-sodium.

And finally – do not go shopping on empty stomach! This way you will avoid buying too much.