Food, clothing, and shelter generally top the list of basic human needs. Shopping discount, instead of a designer, generally takes care of the clothing issue; living in a small apartment, instead of a McMansion, addresses the housing situation. But rising world food prices can lead to some significant challenges. Everything from rising transportation costs to the development of biofuels, such as biodiesel, push up the cost of food and put a pinch on consumers' wallets.
Yeah, that's a mask. Thought we were done with these. Kind of a remember when of sorts. As you recall one of the outcomes of the pandemic was a food shortage. And toilet paper... lol. Anyway, something interesting happened as a result, people began cooking. It had more to do with the containment than the shortages. We basically couldn't go anywhere and our favorite restaurants were closed. None the less, the cooking at home phenomenon was a very good thing.
I prepare my own breads, soups, entrees, desserts, and entertain my friends. And most importantly, I save a ton of money.
I know, it's easier said than done. I believe everyone has the ability to be a competent cook, you don't have to love it, but you will love the outcome. Cooking for yourself, your family and friends is a very good feeling. The other aspect is your general health. This will improve remarkably, because you are cooking with whole foods, instead of consuming processed foods. And cooking you will find a sense of peace and fulfillment. That is once you become more confident and comfortable with yourself.
Here are a few inflation fighting measures you can start today;
Eat at Home
Dining out is an expensive proposition. Many of the meals that you pay for in a formal restaurant can be made at home for a fraction of the price. Even good coffee is cheaper to make if you do it yourself. Fast food is excluded from the category. While high-calorie, low-quality food can be had at a bargain price, the impact on your long-term health overrides the benefit of short-term savings.
Shop with a Plan
If you stumble around the grocery store and fill your cart with everything that catches your eye, you'll spend more than if you prepared a shopping list in advance. Plan your meals for the week ahead and make careful note of what ingredients you need to prepare those dishes. Once the list is made, purchase only the items on the list and avoid impulse buys.
Put on Blinders
Grocery stores are designed to make you go through a maze to get to the most basic items you need. This design feature hopes to get you to make a few impulse purchases along the way. If you keep to your planned list of foods, you won't be tempted when you get forced down the junk food aisle to get to the milk. Most necessities and basic cooking items are found along the outside perimeter of the store, so start there and work your way around the edge of the store, only stepping into the maze to grab any leftover items on your list.
Eat Before You Shop
When you are hungry and you walk into a building full of food, there's a high likelihood that you are going to fill your cart with unnecessary and expensive purchases that appeal more to your taste buds than your budget. To keep your costs down, eat first and shop on a full stomach.
Avoid Prepared Foods
Our fast-paced society encourages convenience—and the grocery store has capitalized on this trend. Ready-made meals are easy to buy but come with a premium price tag. Instead of putting that rotisserie chicken and macaroni salad in your cart, buy the ingredients and prepare the meal yourself. The same concept applies to frozen entrees, baked goods, and any other prepared food.
Buy Locally
Locally grown or produced food is often available at a cheaper price because you don't pay for long transportation costs. Farmers' markets, fairs and the local aisle at your grocery store are all game for deals on tasty and fresh food.
Here a little something to get you started. Email me today at macgillb2@gmail.com and receive one fee week access to our recipe database, and one week access to our basic cooking program.
Cheers, and have a happy hump day!
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