The best buys at the grocery store, as I see it.

I am often asked how I get my groceries so cheap.  Well, of course I use tons of coupons, but I also shop smart.  I don't buy something just because it is a good deal, sometimes good deals just aren't good enough.  Maybe chips or crackers are only $1.50 after sale and coupon, but we don't need to eat them, so I would be better off spending the money elsewhere.

Stock up on;

1. dried beans- if you have a crockpot soak them overnight and divide them into ziplock baggies then freeze.  You can get about 6 bags of beans for the price of one can!

2. pasta sauce in a can-  Don't buy jarred when the cans down on the bottom shelf are about a buck and just as good.

3. dried pasta- Always good and a cheap staple, try the store brand!

4. canned tomatoes- buy the cheapest, they are always good.

5. frozen spinach- cheap and packed with nutrients. Throw it in everything.

6. frozen peas- high in protein, great side dish with meat free spaghetti

7. onions- always cheap, buy in big bags to save

8. carrots- buy whole unpeeled, I just scrub and cut up for snacks, easy.

9. potatoes- also very cheap; bake your own fries

10. in season only produce- dont pay more than $1 per pound, and make yourself eat it, you'll learn to love it, I promise!!

11. oatmeal- whole rolled oats make a super filling and cheap breakfast

Stay away from;

a. juice; its expensive and even children don't need the extra sugar or calories

b. pop, soda; also very expensive. My husband only gets it with a super good sale and coupon.

c. convenience foods, pre packaged will leave you hungry and broke

d. impulse buys; take a list and STICK TO IT (dont shop hungry)

e. meat; EXPENSIVE, worried about protein?  start reading labels (an adult female needs 40g per day)

f. dairy, milk and cheese; expensive as well, worried about calcium? See this chart for info. Women need about 1200mg.

g. candy, cookies and deserts; really?

Be willing to substitute;

a. beans (or lentils!) will work for beef in most meals

b. canned tomatoes sub for fresh in recipes

c. don't buy specialty items for a recipe, see what you can sub instead

d. add veggies to your dishes or casseroles as fillers

Menu plans help many people stick to their grocery budget.  I don't follow one, but I never really have a problem pulling together an inexpensive, wholesome and healthy dinner.  I was just raised that way.  For really great menu ideas check out BeCentsAble, the girls post their menus on mondays.

I hope these ideas help you stick to your budget as well as feel good about eating such wholesome foods.  Let me know if you have any tricks or secrets!