Do You Shop For Food or Groceries? Vol 2
Over the past two weeks our world has drastically changed. A new administration was sworn into office, record number of COVID-19 cases and deaths were reported, and our jobless rate continues to increase. The constant in the midst of these changes is food. No matter what the day brings, we must eat to survive. As we jump into “Do You Shop For Food or Groceries? Vol 2”, it’s important to take a look at health and the factor it plays in choosing to consume food or buy groceries and prepare home cooked meals. This week I spent $32.34 and prepared seven meals that fed a family of four, where the average take out would have cost $20, for just one meal.
One thing this pandemic has forced people to do is assess their health. Part of this assessment is looking at your diet (the foods you consume on a regular basis), to determine your nutritional health. Many of us are dealing with health issues that require an immediate changes to our diets, or medication is the only option to gain control over our health. It is a known fact that America is the most obese country in the world. Instead of eating to live, most live to eat. We are inundated with commercials for non-healthy food options on television, radio, social media, billboards and our cell phones. Most food is advertised as being quick, convenient and affordable, versus being of good quality, healthy and affordable. Keep in mind some health issues are better managed by making small changes to your nutritional regimen.
Here are three tips for shopping this week, while keeping your nutritional goals and budget in check:
1) Check the online weekly flyers for all of the grocery stores in your area. Think about gas and how far you are willing to travel for a deal. Remember, the goal is to purchase items on sale and under budget. It doesn’t make sense to save $10 on groceries if you have to then turn around and put it in your gas tank.
2) Once you are in the grocery store, look for discounts on bruised produce. Look for managers’ specials on meat that may expire in two or three days. You’re preparing your meals that day, so you just got a phenomenal deal!
3) Certain grocery chains, such as Sprouts and Fresh Thyme Market, have double deals on Wednesdays. This means that the current week and last week’s sale overlap one another. Also, Publix (a huge chain in the south) has BOGO free. You do not have to purchase two items to get the deal.
