Want to know how to save money at the grocery store while counting macros? You’ve come to the right place! My husband and I have been avid budgeters since 2016. You can read more about our debt free journey HERE. When it comes to living a practical, frugal, budget conscious life WE ARE YOUR PEOPLE. At the end of 2023 we went through our year end expenses and were able to compile some interesting data.
Eating at home costs our family just over $2 per meal per person. Eating out, on the other hand, costs our family a minimum of $10 per meal per person and that’s if we’re eating fast food. Over the course of the year that cost differential could be massive the more you choose to eat out.
At Stay Fit Mom we are always encouraging our clients to eat out for the sake of your macro budget, waistline and overall health, but we’re also encouraging it for your financial success! If you care about your financial budget, limit eating out as much as possible.
Now let’s go over some additional grocery saving tips that can help you even more!
Grocery Saving Tips
The NUMBER 1 way to save money on groceries is to make a meal plan. Go in with a list and stick to it. With macro tracking you make a plan for the meals you plan to eat that week, then create a grocery list based on that plan. Utilize our Monthly Macro Meals to help!
Shop Alone to avoid impulse buying. You’re less likely to give into buying random stuff when your kids (or maybe even your significant other) aren’t around.
Order your groceries online. You can save money because you’re not tempted to buy things that look appetizing or that aren’t on your list.
Avoid pre-packaged items. Stores will charge you a convenience fee for pre-cut veggies, pre cooked meals, pre-packaged snacks, etc. If you’re trying to save even more money opt for whole items like fresh or frozen veggies, block cheese, etc.
Compare prices between stores. If you currently shop at a high-end grocery store, consider switching to a store that’s known for more affordable food prices like Walmart, Aldi or Trader Joe’s.
Buy Generic Brands. Name brand items are always at eye level, but if you look at the top or bottom shelves you’ll see those generic brands. I’m talking spaghetti sauces, other canned food items, diet soda, really anything.
Swap out expensive cuts of meat for cheaper options. Ground chicken and ground turkey come in cheaper than ground beef and the macros also happen to be better. Pork loin, white fish, chicken breast, beans, eggs, and canned tuna are some of the most affordable protein sources.
Stick to the perimeter of the grocery store. The aisles in the center of the grocery store are typically filled with processed foods that aren’t good for you and cost more.
Buy items in bulk and freezer for later. Oftentimes you get a better deal on items when you buy in bulk. This can apply to things like bread, meat, and cheeses. This is especially helpful during certain sales. If you know it’s something you can use later, buy it upfront and freeze one for later use.
Buy Produce that’s in season. This is when fruits/vegetables are tastiest and cheapest.
When you track macros you have less food waste over all because you have to eat those meals to fill your macros! Gone are the days of looking at leftovers like they’re second best. When you’ve worked hard on preparing a delicious meal, you’ll look forward to eating again because it’s tasty, cost effective AND it fits your macros!
Happy Saving!!
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