Eating economically
2/6/2025 by Audrey McKinney
If you've ever found yourself staring into the fridge wondering what magical meal you can create with what you have left on hand, you're not alone. With some planning, you can turn your meals into masterpieces without breaking the bank or skimping on flavor and nutrition. Let's explore five simple, wallet-friendly hacks that'll leave your belly and your bank account feeling full.
Plan like a pro
What's the No. 1 secret to eating on a budget? You guessed it, planning ahead. Taking a small amount of time to plan can save you from an outrageous grocery receipt. Before heading to the grocery store, take inventory of what you already have on hand. Build your meal plan around these items and only buy what is missing. Please remember to stick to your list. Staying focused on your list will keep you from any surprise purchases.
Don't let leftovers go to waste
It's time to talk about the dreaded leftovers. Eating the same meal for the third time can feel repetitive, but rest assured, leftovers do not have to be boring. Repurposing last night's dinner into something fresh and fun is like giving it a makeover. Got some leftover veggies? Maybe some tortillas in the fridge? Turn those leftovers into a yummy veggie quesadilla. After all, leftovers are your budget's best friend, so don't let them go to waste.
Shop seasonally
Ever notice how some fruits and vegetables cost more at certain times of the year? That's because they're not in season. When you choose produce that's in season, you get the freshest items and save cash. You can freeze seasonal produce when it's cheap and use it later. Having frozen veggies and berries on hand is a lifesaver for future meals.
Meal prep
Planning ahead is a great time saver. Pick a day and prep big batches of food. Think soups, casseroles, egg bites or even simply preparing your sandwiches for the week. Portion them out and store them in the fridge or freezer for quick, easy meals all weeklong. Knowing you have a homemade meal ready to go will help prevent you from ordering takeout or ending up in the drive-thru after a busy day.
Go generic
Last but certainly not least, don't be afraid to shop generically. The name-brand products always look so fancy. But did you know that store-brand items are often just as good and usually for a fraction of the price? ALDI grocery stores are one example of a great place to buy store-brand items. With a bit of creativity and planning, you can whip up tasty, delicious, and budget-friendly meals. It's all about making smart food choices, embracing those leftovers and knowing when to splurge (and when not to).
Audrey McKinney graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor's degree in nutrition and dietetics. She is completing her master's in clinical nutrition from UW-Madison alongside her dietetic internship at Mayo Clinic in Rochester.