I’ve gotten a few emails lately asking about meal planning and budgeting. A few people have asked the same questions, so I am going to address them here.
How much do you spend on groceries a month?
Honestly? About $150.00-$180.00 a month. I’m not kidding. That may even be on the high end. For example, last week I spent $35.00. Some weeks are way more expensive. I always seem to need sugar, flour, olive oil, oatmeal, and a bazillion other basics the same week. That can easily add $15.00 to a shopping bill if not more.
Here are my tips:
- Plan meals that use a lot of the same ingredients so that you don’t waste anything. For example, if you are making lasagna, and you won’t need the entire bag of mozzarella cheese use the rest in another meal.
- Name brand does not mean better. Kroger mustard tastes the same as French’s.
- Buy fruits and vegetables that are in season.
Where do you do your grocery shopping?
ALDI first then Kroger. I get most of the basics at ALDI, and then I buy the rest at Kroger on the way home.
Here’s the thing: ALDI is a lot less expensive and 95% of the things taste the same or better than what they sell at Kroger. It is especially great for basics: sugar, flour, soup, milk, potato chips, pasta, etc. We don’t usually buy produce at ALDI, but every so often they have items that look great and are inexpensive {read: potatoes}.
Sometimes I go to DeKalb Farmers Market or Whole Foods, but not often. I usually only visit those places when I need something very specific.
Do you menu plan around sales?
No. I don’t. I probably should, but we don’t get the local newspaper…and the Wall Street Journal doesn’t carry the Kroger ad.
What staples do you keep in the kitchen?
- oatmeal
- garlic
- olive oil
- pasta
- sugar
- flour
- fat-free buttermilk
- ketchup
- eggs
- bread
- peanut butter
- a wide array of spices
- whole wheat bread
- Philadelphia cream cheese
What tips do you have for someone who is just starting with meal plans?
You don’t have to make every meal. Start out with dinners and work your way from there. Don’t be afraid to use the same ingredient a few times in a week. Have you seen some of my pasta heavy menus?
Also, don’t pick meals that intimidate you. If you aren’t comfortable with a meal that is going to use up 2 hours of your time and 5 bowls and pots don’t do it! Delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated, and it isn’t worth the stress.
I also recommend only buying groceries you will need that week. You’ll save a ton of money, and not only that but food won’t go bad. How many of us have bought something and never even opened it before it was inedible?
What does Nathan say about the menus?
I do the menu planning solo. Nathan eats almost anything, and I know what foods are on his “does not eat” list so I avoid those when he is in town. I usually post a copy of the week’s menu on the fridge so if he has any questions he can look at it. In the mornings before I leave for work, I let Nathan know what is in the fridge leftovers wise or if I have made some specifically for lunch. Since he travels so much I don’t have to worry about it too often.
We’ve tried to plan the menu together, but it just doesn’t work. Menu planning is a big thing for me. I spend a considerable amount of time doing it, because I love to pour over recipes. I feel like if we’re both doing it that I can’t put as much research into as I like.
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There is some basic meal planning information. Meal planning is so easy. Please feel free to send me any additional questions at thebrunettefoodie@gmail.com!
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That was helpful, thanks! I’m amazed you spend so little on groceries… I’ve been trying to cut back and it’s really hard.