Grocery store shopping on a budget? This has become essential these days due to the high inflation that has hit the world. Budget-friendly shopping is an art and skill. Canadian dietitian Abbey Sharp shares tips on how to go about it successfully.
Abbey Sharp on budget-friendly shopping
World is hit by a high inflation rate. And many people are unable to afford a square meal per day. Their household budget is smaller compared to their needs. But at the same time, nutritious meal is essential for a healthy body and mind.
The food prices have skyrocketed. The situation is the worst since 1980s. And now people will have to spend more money on foods. But certified dietitian from Canada, Abbey Sharp has some tips for everyone on how to eat healthily in the midst of all the inflation issues and rising food prices. The Toronto-based nutritionist delineates ways to feed one’s family without breaking the bank.
Low cost stores and cheap proteins and carb sources
Opt for low cost stores such as Dollarama. And Abbey informs that the store now has a corner for nutritious foods. Many items are over 1 dollar in cost. But Abbey explains to Yahoo Canada:
“My main tip, to get your best bang for your buck, I like to focus on two main criteria,”
“So, looking for your sources of protein … and also doing big batches of grains.”
Canadian dietitian, Abbey Sharp (Source: Health insight)She advises people to keep p a watch for and grab low cost protein foods such as canned tuna and canned beans. Grains such as quinoa, rice and pasta are also relatively cheap and yet healthy.
Fats category
Further, Abbey reveals that the Dollarama store is also a good place if you want to purchase some fats such as olive oil and cooking oil.
Snacks?
Abbey finds Dollarama affordable when if comes to buying snacks too. She said:
“I also love to get some snacks there,”
“If you’re going to get snacks anyway at the grocery store, you might as well get them for a great price. … Often, you can find lots of great options that are more nutritious for the kids and for the family, as well. Things like unsweetened applesauce, crispy chickpeas, freeze-dried fruit and berries.”
Certainty regarding use
Super sprinkles (Source: Ubuy)Abbey warns that if one buys foods such as fresh produce, meat or baked products from larger grocery stores, one should first be certain that they will consume them within the expiry date of the product. Elaborating on it, she said:
“We want to make sure that if we are spending money on produce that we are actually going to use it,”
“Only buy in bulk if you know for sure that you can freeze it or you can immediately use it. … That goes for meats, poultry, fruits and vegetables.”
One should avoid food waste as much as possible. This is important always but very important during this critical period.
Heartier shelf-stable vegetables
Since money is the focus these days and it is less, one should opt for shelf-stable healthy fruits and vegetables. She adds:
“Life gets busy and, more often than not, we forget about what we have in the fridge,”
“That’s why I love things like cabbage, brussels sprouts, carrots, parsnips. These are more cost-effective vegetables, but they also keep longer.”
Carrots and cabbages are durable, healthy and also versatile to use. One can add them to noodles, pasta, salads, curries, soups, stew, or stir fry etc.
Long lasting vegetables (Source: Eating well)Super sprinkles
Abbey feels that those who are not too bad on the financial front but still feel the pinch can go for super sprinkles such as Hemp Hearts. They have protein, fats, and fiber. They enhance the nutritive value of any food dish. Wheat bran, chia seeds and flax seeds are also good options for sprinkling on and increasing the nutrition of a food.
For the affording class….
Abbey advises for them:
“Splurge on a food that you love,”
“If you love ice cream … that’s a more premium item, but you know you’re going to really enjoy it and, therefore, not feel the need to feel so unsatisfied that you need to order in UberEats or go out for dinner more often.”
“At the end of the day, splurging on a $6 ice cream as opposed to a $60 UberEats [order] is still going to save you money, and you’re still going to feel satisfied.”
And for those influenced easily by ads….
For them, Abbey suggests online shopping:
“If that’s you, I do recommend shopping online,”
“It’s much harder to be swayed by impulse decisions because you have to manually search for things that are on your grocery list, add them to your cart.”
“You’re not being constantly bombarded by all the new, cool snacks and things that are popping up. So, you’re really more likely to just buy the things on your list.”