
26 Nov NYC Dietitian Tips for Budget Holiday Food Shopping
We have all seen our grocery bills grow over the past few years. Eating healthy on a budget is challenging. Healthy foods can add up to being two times more expensive than their unhealthy counterparts on a per-calorie basis.
The holidays are here, and there can be considerable financial stress. As dietitian nutritionists living in New York City, we know how costly things are. Luckily, we have some great holiday food shopping tips for all budgets. So, indulge in your favorite flavors and holiday food traditions without breaking the bank.
Tips for Grocery Shopping on a Budget This Holiday Season
- Plan Your Meals: Create a weekly meal plan based on sales and seasonal produce to avoid impulse purchases. Impulse buys increase your spending by up to 30%. Buying seasonal products is also healthier. When you shop in-season, you get things at in-season prices while supporting sustainable eating habits. Also, if you buy ahead (at the end of November, beginning of December), you’re likely to get things at lower prices than if you wait until mid-to-late December.
- Make a Shopping List: Stick to a list to limit unnecessary items and prevent overspending. Also, stick to your budget.
- Use Coupons and Discounts: Look for store coupons, loyalty programs, and cash-back apps to save money. And, shop on double-coupon days.
- Buy in Bulk: Purchase non-perishable items in bulk, as they often have lower unit prices.
- Manager Mark Downs: Oftentimes managers mark down meat, poultry, and fish up to 50% when nearing their expiration date. Buy these items. If you’re not going to use them right away, put them in the freezer. OR, if you’re buying something like ground beef, take it home, cook it up, and freeze it in batches to add to spaghetti sauce, for taco night, and more.
- Choose Generic Brands: Opt for store or generic brands. They are almost always cheaper and are often just as good as name brands. Also, look up, look down. Grocery stores are masters of putting what they want you to buy at eye level. Look at the top and bottom shelves for less expensive items.
- Shop on Wednesdays: Grocery stores release new deals, circulars, and coupons each Wednesday. It’s a great day to get first dibs on those super sales!
- Buy holiday-themed foods after the holidays: Candy, sprinkles, and holiday-flavored spices can be discounted up to 90% after the holiday. Plan ahead. WAY AHEAD and buy. Store them in a dry, cool place.
- Too Good To Go: This is one of our favorite food apps. It helps battle food waste and can provide you and your family with low-cost groceries, dinner options, breads, pastries, and more. Geo-located, it can tell you where you can buy highly-discounted food items near your home. It’s worth it!
- Waste Less: Veggies and fruits getting close to their end? Freeze them. Shred veggies and add them to soups and sauces. Fruits can be frozen to later incorporate into your favorite holiday pies and muffins. The average American family throws out around $1,600.00 each year in produce.
Cutting costs doesn’t mean you have to cut your diet quality. By planning ahead, using coupons and apps, and implementing these grocery shopping tips, you can save money and enjoy the holidays. We can’t promise they’ll be stress-free, but we can promise that you’ll see a difference in your grocery bill!
Don’t throw those wrinkly apples away!
Here are some great holiday recipes using those fruits on the brink of demise:
- Fruit Crumble: Combine chopped overripe apples, pears, or berries with sugar and cinnamon. Top with a mix of oats, flour, and butter, and bake until golden and bubbly.
- Spiced Fruit Compote: Simmer leftover fruits like apples, pears, or peaches with cinnamon, cloves, and a little sugar. Serve warm over ice cream or pancakes.
- Baked Apples or Pears: Core overripe apples or pears, stuff with nuts, dried fruits, and spices, and bake until tender.