A weekly trip to the grocery store hasn’t exactly been pleasant during these changing times. In fact, making a list of your much needed items is necessary before taking that trip to the store. The cost of food, meat in particular, has spiked with ridiculous prices in some local stores. Cans of vegetables, milk products and produce have all seen price increases; not to mention hand sanitizers, its nuts. So, watching the weekly sale ads should be a priority before heading out. For those of you that don’t receive your local ads in the mail, you can usually pick one up at the service desk upon entering the store. Times are different and so changing ones shopping habits are crucial in order to save money where you can; it’s food for thought.
Grocers’ ads are made to bring in the customers, knowing they’re most likely going to purchase more than what they came in for…hence higher prices on more common items, such as canned or boxed meals. Then you have ads which are misleading (regular price $3.29, On Sale now $1.99) and then in fine print it reads… “When purchased in multiples of 5” and I hate when that happens! For those that have smaller living quarters, buying multiples of an item because it’s on sale is not always feasible, due to limited space. Then there are food items (meat) that people don’t always purchase but do, because it’s a deal they couldn’t pass up. However, I’ve overheard a few conversations in the meat departments recently, in regards to meats on sale. Many times stores have meats that’ve thawed and need to be purchased sooner, rather than later; hence the great Sale price. Personally, I do not like to refreeze meat twice, and I now usually ask someone in that department before purchasing. Don’t buy items just because it’s a deal. If you don’t really use or eat the food (which is on sale), you’re wasting your money; at least at this particular time. Stick to meat items you use frequently and are familiar with, it’ll be helpful when trying out new meals.
Learn to make new dishes with what’s in your home. There are you-tube tutorials of all kinds, including recipes. I make up a lot of my own dishes, but I’ve been cooking since my teens and enjoy it when others love it! Find what spices you enjoy and change up some of the dishes you cook, but offer new flavors or add pasta. Example being; I made spaghetti one night, saving all the sauce. Later in the week I add ground Italian meat or pork with new spices to the sauce and use in lasagna dish…or, whatever meats I cook I can usually turn leftovers into a whole new dish. I’ve used leftover meat like chicken, fish, pork or beef to make tacos, it’s so easy. Some nights I just put out cilantro, cheese and hot sauce with warmed leftover meat and put in a shell. Even when it comes to leftovers…the taste can be so good with few items, there’s no need to overpower it.
So, for what it’s worth…be careful when venturing out, and watch out for sale items these days; buyers beware. Plan your meals for at least half of the week and let your creativeness take over the rest.
Make your week count.
Lee Harper says
We do the same thing here.