Rachel's Fit Health

Want to change your diet, but worried it’ll change your bank account?

As a grad student, I’ve spent the past few years trying to maximize my money at the grocery store. I’m the kind of person who loves going to the grocery store, and could spend hours in there finding new products. As far as my blog goes, that’s great.. as far as my bank account, that isn’t always a good thing!

Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Plum Market- my favorite stores! I (thankfully) do not have these stores near my school.. so I usually shop at Meijer, and occasionally a health foods store in the area.

The best way to save money is to make a LIST! I store my list in my cell phone so I always have it with me.

What is a typical week for me at the grocery store?

Produce

Broccoli

Cauliflower

Green Beans

Asparagus  (if on sale)

Bananas

Celery

Spinach

Sweet Potatoes

Nuts

Raw Almonds (I buy every other week)

Raw Pistachios or Hazelnuts (if I’m at Trader Joe’s!)

Meat

5-10 pounds of chicken breast

Occasionally a small grass-fed sirloin steak

Extra Lean ground turkey (if on sale)

Dairy

Unsweetened Almond milk

24 eggs

Grains (do not have to buy these every week)

Oatmeal

Brown Rice

That’s it! All of my “meals” have become a variation of meat/ vegetable /nuts/carb (oatmeal, rice or sweet potato)

I usually get through all of my food within the week. I probably spend an average of $70-$80 at the store each week. But occasionally I won’t get through all my food.. my bill yesterday was only $40, so it can vary week to week. I rarely go out to eat, so grocery shopping is where I spend my weekly food budget.

 It does require simple cooking (stove top for rice, oatmeal, and some of the vegetables, baking for chicken, potatoes), but I try to prep my food on Sundays, and Wednesdays or Thursdays, which cuts down on cooking time and clean up during the week!

The most important rule to remember: Stick to the basics- produce, meat, eggs, etc. You don’t need fancy organic snacks or crackers.

Don’t buy on impulse (this has taken me years to perfect!) Only buy what’s on your list.

I used to feel like I was being “punished” for trying to eat healthy food- it can be so expensive! Sticking to whole foods, limiting packaged food items, and sticking to your list really helps.

You CAN eat healthy food without breaking your bank account.

As always- a plan goes a long way.