Welcome back! Last time we established that eating what we cook ourselves is the best option for those of us on the weight loss journey and the healthiest choice for everyone. Today I want to give you some tips on how to tackle the switch to preparing foods at home. As I mentioned, many of us would like to cook more, but we feel like we don’t have all the ingredients and gadgets that seem necessary to the task. We think we have to find a way to finance this new venture before we start. Don’t start perusing the classifieds for a second job yet-keep reading!
So, we will start with the basics-Coupons. We all know about coupons and if you follow my friend Rachel at CouponingwithRachel.com you will find all sorts of ways to shop and save a ton! However, there are a few specific guidelines for those of us on the path to weight loss that need to be mentioned. Only buy what you need and not just because it is a good deal. Many coupons are for items that are not conducive for weight loss. These would include your prepackaged and processed foods. A good example would be Hamburger Helper products. While very convenient and tasty (to some), you can make your own version at home (recipes to follow), and it will be much healthier-and it really only takes a little more effort and time. Your best bet is to make good choices when you pick the coupons you are going to use-give away the ones that do not support your goals of weight loss and healthy eating. There are plenty of coupons for canned, jarred, frozen and fresh products that are good for you to have on hand.
Store specials go hand in hand with our coupons and the guidelines are very similar. Take the time to look at the ad and make a list. Stick with your list! As I mentioned in a previous post, do most of your shopping on the perimeter of the store where the healthier choices reside.
In addition to store coupons and specials, another key is in planning your menu for the week. You can approach this in a couple of ways; both have worked well for me. One way is to plan your menu choices ahead of time and make a list of the ingredients you will need. If the list gets too long (and expensive) then change some of your choices so you can use common ingredients, thus shortening your list. For example, I might choose two pork recipes, and then buy a pork loin/roast that is slightly bigger than I need. The first night I may roast the loin and then I can use the leftovers for a second recipe, like the South Beach Pork and Cabbage Salad (recipes to follow). Another approach is to make a list of the weekly specials that appeal to you and your budget and then choose recipes that incorporate those ingredients. Again, it helps if you plan meals that use similar ingredients in them.
When trying new recipes (as we often do when we change our diet), we find that we may not have the “pantry” products that we need, like spices or seasonings. These can be expensive. So, another way to save is to accumulate these gradually, maybe one type of spice or shelf product per week. Another way to save is to buy them in Bulk. You can do this at big box stores like Sam’s Club or Costco, or discount stores like Aldi’s. Another option for buying these non-perishables is On-line retailers like Amazon.com. You can find better prices, sometimes eliminate taxes and maybe get free shipping, too. You can also pick up great deals on other products that support your goals, like protein bars, nuts, and jerky products-just check them out thoroughly, first!
Remember: You have to take time out to PLAN
Finally, Buy food in quantities you will use. I know this is common sense, but it’s good to be reminded. Since we are avoiding some of those non-perishable and processed foods and choosing more fresh foods, we have to plan well so foods don’t go to waste-it’s not a bargain if you have to throw it away! A good resource for high quality and less expensive fresh produce is your local Farmer’s Market. You can also count on them to use fewer preservatives and pesticides (and they can count on you to support them and your local economy!)
So, check out your Store Specials, use Coupons that go along with the Menu you have planned for the week, buy in Bulk or from On-line Retailers or your Local Farmer’s Market and buy in quantities that you will use. These are habits for success in saving while you Cook and Eat at Home to support the goals you have set for yourself to make ‘Better Choices for a Healthier Lifestyle’!
I will share practical applications of these habits next time, until then, Be Well!
Your Best Fitness Friend
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