5 ways to maximize your food budget

Feeding a family is challenging, no matter what. But managing finances can seem nearly impossible.

You obviously want to provide your family with the most nourishing healthful foods possible. But, you also need to do it without breaking the bank.

Here are 5 ways to maximize your food budget:

1. Eliminate food waste. 

Pay attention to expiration dates. For farm fresh foods that do not have expiration dates, I write the date I receive it on top with a permanent marker. Then, I keep the food quickest to sour in the front of the fridge.

For products that do come with expiration dates, you can take some time to re-think your take on expiration dates. Expiration dates are more for food quality than food safety. Foods are generally good after the expiration date passes. Use your senses and trust your gut.

Freeze everything you can, and only thaw foods you know you are going to use soon.

Keep inventory of what you have. There are many benefits to keeping a well organized pantry, where inventory can be easily assessed. I keep a white board on my fridge, where I can list my frozen foods and fresh veggies and jot down my meal plan for the week.

And, meal plan. This will ensure you are buying what you need, not just what you want (more on that later).

2. Avoid impulse buys.

Making a grocery list is a great way to do this. Whenever I’m running low on an essential or making a meal plan, I immediately add items to the list. Since my phone is usually handy, I use a simple list app. The list is shared with my spouse, so we can coordinate.

Once you have your list, stick to it. One or two exceptions are allowed, but try your best to stick to the list.

Also, never ever shop when you’re hungry. Really, don’t do this.

3. Eat less.

I’m being a tad facetious here, but it’s true. Americans are unfortunately accustomed to oversized portion sizes, and it shows with our rising obesity rates.

Serve your family normal portion sizes. And serve your kids micro-sizes. The goal is to finish your plate and then go for seconds if you truly are hungry. It’s better than eating everything just because it’s there or tossing food in the garbage.

Also, eat real food with value, and steer clear of processed food. Eating nourishing nutrient-dense foods will keep your body feeling full for longer. Empty calories mean that you’ll feel hungry faster, ultimately wasting many calories and your budget.

4. Make everything yourself.

Buying pre-prepared foods or eating out is very expensive. You’re paying extra for the labor to produce it. If you cook more at home, you will see a significant drop in your food spending.

And kudos. Homemade food is often better for you - void of processed ingredients, fillers, preservatives, and so on.

5. Change your meal-planning approach.

When it comes to eating well, meal planning is one of the easiest things you can do to set yourself up for success. There are so many ways to plan meals but, after trying it once or twice, you will quickly figure out what works for your family.

There are some basic things to consider when you’re meal planning:

• How many meals to plan for
  What you have time for
  What you need to use up in your fridge or pantry
  Your food mood
  Your grocery budget

Once you have those things determined, record it! Your meal plan should live in an obvious and easy-to-access location. I’ve tried notebooks, phone apps, and sticky notes. But, my personal favorite is a white board on the fridge.

Once you have a plan, enact it. Make your shopping list and start making meals!

6. And, I’ll add one more to the list. Keep reading :) 

I’ll elaborate on some of these food budget maximization strategies in the coming weeks.