Frugal Clean Eating: Meal Planning

Hope you haven't had to wait too long, but here's the second post in my new Frugal Clean Eating series or the step-by-step on what I do when it's time to go grocery shopping. Here's the first.

1. I look in the fridge and see what basic items need to be replaced. I can't stand going to the grocery store guessing at what we're out of. I usually don't get it because I guessed wrong and have to go back to the store.

2. I ask the hubs what he wants for dinner and his lunches. Usually his answer is "it doesn't matter". If I can't figure out what I want. I go Pinterest and scroll down my Eat to Live board for ideas. I forgot to mention I really don't like to cook. I cook because we have to eat. So I try to find SIMPLE and quick recipes that don't take hours. I just don't have time.

3. I create a meal list and mark off what I already have. I try to choose recipes based on items I already have when I can.

4. I create my grocery list by day and by meal. It's the best way I've found to stay organized.

This week's menu (Thursday through next Thursday)...

5. #5 is important. I try NOT to forget my list at home. It's happened.

6. The main reason why I am able to shop and save, I shop at Aldi's. Aldi's sells majority off brands, but still has name brands. But it's still quality items. They are able to offer their items at cheaper prices because they've cut costs in other areas. Most of the time I find everything I need. But in the event I don't, then I'll go to a place like Kroger's or Walmart, if I have to. For example, they don't sell baby formula, but they do sell Pampers brand diapers.

Stay tuned for the next post...my grocery haul and total spent post.

Where do you food shop?

New Series: Frugal Clean Eating

*Let me start by saying I have not being paid by any of the stores or brands I may mention in this series.*

Photo credit: Myhomeless.wordpress.com

I have decided instead of posting an updated grocery haul like I said I would a couple of months ago, I have decided to start a new series called Frugal Clean/Healthy Eating. I, like everyone else wants the best for their family, but I rather do so as cheaply frugal as possible.

Through the course of this series I will share how I meal plan, what stores I shop at (although it's only one store majority of the time), and I will share some of the prices in comparison to other brands.

P.S. I don't think Walmart is the best on prices for food, especially meat most times.

I've had to find ways to save money on a consistent basis for my household and this series will show exactly that. I am an occasional Couponer. Meaning I coupon when I have time and when I hear about a really good deal. Lately I haven't had the time.

There will be a mixture of name and store brand items in my shopping haul(s). For some items I like the name brand quality better than the store, but I am definitely not afraid of the store brands when trying to save a little money. If you didn't know, some of them are made in the same factories, ijs.

All in all, I want to help bust the myth and actually show that eating healthy doesn't have to break the bank if you just keep it simple.

Oh, and this will be for my family of 2 adults and 1 infant.

Grocery Trip & Typical Shopping List

I went to Aldi's, Wal-Mart, Kroger, and Trader Joe's

This picture was taken after my most recent grocery store trip.  The items pictured aren't typical purchases (see below) because I'm trying all new recipes this week (Moving Forward with Eating Cleaner).  

I try not to buy the "bad" processed foods, but considering the costs, that's not always the case.  I make substitutions wherever possible and watch the serving size carefully.  Example: If I buy hot dogs for that week (which is rare anyway), I eat ONE and not THREE!

Good processed foods: milk, some orange juice, oatmeal, frozen fish, frozen fruits and vegetables, and 100% whole-grain bread. (About.com: What Are Processed Foods?)

Bad processed foods: frozen pizza with meat, canned foods, breads/pastas made with refined white flour, chips, candy, frozen fish sticks, frozen dinners, packaged cakes and cookies (not homemade), boxed meals (i.e. Hamburger Helper), sugary breakfast cereals, and processed meats (i.e. hot dogs, bacon, sausage, sandwich meat, etc.) (About.com: What Are Processed Foods?)

These are just the main items.  We eat mostly chicken and fish.  When I buy beef or pork, it's the leaner cuts.  When I DO by the "bad" processed foods (because I don't live ALONE and I DON'T deprive myself :-)), I make sure I don't go overboard by sticking to 1 serving.