Money isn't everything when it comes to planning tasty nutritious meals. Well-balanced food can be prepared just as well on a small budget as on a lavish one. All that is necessary is some knowledge of how, what, and when to buy. Less money spent on food means more money for other needs.
Here are some pointers for saving your food money:
1. Buy food of good quality. Those sour little oranges may be cheap, but if your family refuses to eat all of them, your money was spent uselessly.
2. Use a list drawn up before leaving the house. You may make minor changes when you see what the market offers, but buying by guesswork is merely wasting your own money.
3. Compare prices in different market stalls or grocery stores. There are times when two dealers may be carrying merchandise of equal quality but one might charge less.
4. Meat is an expensive source of protein. Why not use beans, tokwa or eggs instead. Not only are they cheaper but they are also better for the health. You will find that when properly prepared, these foods can be as tasty as meat dishes.
5. It's okay to buy in large quantities if the price is less, provided you have space for proper storage, and you can use the food before it spoils.
6. If you cannot be home for every meal, carry your lunch or "baon" with you. Food at restaurants, carenderias and fast food chains usually costs more than the food you prepared at home.
7. Compare prices in different market stalls or grocery stores. There are times when two dealers may be carrying merchandise of equal quality, but one might charge less.
8. If you have time and space, grow some of the vegetables you need, in a garden. This will ensure you of a fresh supply whenever you need it.
9. Buy perishable foods only as you need them. Buying plenty of fish at one time is just a waste of money if all of the fish cannot be eaten at once. This principle may be modified slightly if you are fortunate enough to own a refrigerator.
10. It is cheaper to buy staples such as rice, salt, and flour in large amounts. Store them in bottles or cans to keep them out of moisture and bugs.
11. Plan meals for several days at one time only.
12. Try to minimize waste in food preparation. For example, you can use the outer dark green leaves of a cabbage.
13. Use margarine instead of butter on bread, etc. It's not only cheaper but it's also way more healthful.
14. In buying vegetables, you must check the color—it should be bright like carrots, it should be a rich orange.
15. Check your supplies on hand while making out your shopping list. Avoid buying luxury items on impulse.
Eating healthy foods doesn't really need to be expensive. Minding your expenses and living a thrifty lifestyle is using money and other resources carefully in your everyday life and making sure not to be wasteful in the way you live.
