Grocery shopping for critique

[Radiance]

I am very grocery shopping challenged.
It is only me and my 1 1/2 year old baby
I started with close to $600 /month and I allocated $400 for July. So far I had spent $130

My main strategies thus far:
No eating out
Not buying a thing unless I can really not fix something with what I have home. It turned out you can pretty much fix a meal with not much. My pantry is almost empty and my fridge is almost empty. There is so much space!

Yesterday I finally went to the store. THis is what I bought. What are your impressions? I spent 34.76:

1 bottle maple syrup 5.59
4 organic baby lunches 3.56
1/2 gallon Canola oil 3.39
White Cheese 3/4 lb 5.06
1 apple 0.83
4 bananas 0.77
2 White bread 3.98
1 big Ice cream 6.59
1/2 gallon whole milk 1.49
1 Gallon organic whole milk 3.5

I realize I went to the most convenient store because It was raining cats and dogs and also realize I didn't bring a list. I guess I could have skipped the ice cream...the rest looks good to me...

What do you think ?

[disneysteve]

A bit hard to say. We can't really comment on price because prices vary greatly from region to region and even from store to store.

Do you want input on what you actually bought? If so, then yes, the ice cream was obviously not a necessity. I'm not sure what "big" means but I know around here, the regular cartons of ice cream go on sale frequently and there are often coupons. A couple of weeks ago, we got tubs of Breyer's for $.75 each between a store sale and a coupon. Nothing wrong with some dietary splurges but they don't have to break the bank.

I'd also vote against white bread. I don't think anyone should be eating that. It is devoid of nutrition. Switch to Whole wheat, even if it costs a little more. It is more filling and much more nutritious.

I'd also vote against whole milk for you, though it is still appropriate for the baby until after age 2. For you, I'd gradually switch to skim. Start with 2%, then 1%, then skim. That makes the transition easier. Not only is that healthier, but more to the point, at least around here, the lower the fat content of the milk, the lower the price. For example, I think we pay $2.05 for skim and it is $2.25 for 1%, $2.45 for 2% and $2.65 for whole milk (or something like that). So switching to skim will save you money and be healthier for you - a win-win.

As a general comment, the best way to keep the food budget under control is to plan your meals and shop with a list of ingredients needed to make those meals.

[buildmybudget]

Stretching meals out can also help immensely. Buying ingredients that you can use for several different meals and then preparing enough to last 2, 3, or even 4 meals can help save some $.

[disneysteve]

Yes, buying and cooking in bulk can cost more up front but save money over time. It is also important to check sales at your local stores. The front pages of the weekly circulars often contain some great deals. The "loss leader" items are things the store sells at cost or even at a loss just to get you into the store. If you can focus on those and not be tempted to pick up other things while there, you can save a lot.

Also, look for discount stores in your area. Do you have an Aldi's? How about a Super Wal-Mart?

[Radiance]

Yes, I realize I should have gone to my local Super Wal-mart.
I did cook lentings with pumpkin for my baby, in bulk, and froze.
Tonight I plan to cook zichini risoto both for baby and I.

See? the idea was for the lentings to be for the both of us. But I failed to properly calculate the portions. I cooked 1 cup (raw) and that is just 4 lunches for him, mommy zero.

So for the zuchini rice, I will cook 2 cups, that should be 4 baby, mommy 2... I hope.

so, we have: (this is what is helping me)
1) Do not eat out
2) Used up all you have before you go back shopping
3) Avoid desserts (fruit should do)
4) Buy at wal-mart, not Pubix, maybe super Target
5) No white bread, but look for another whole wheat, the one I buy for baby is almost $4
6) No milk for me, I don't need it. I can use the baby organic milk for my Sunday pancakes
7) Buy with a list... you are giving me too much credit, you assume I have a meal plan... it is taking shape, but I think quantum physics is less complicated for me. I am not kidding!

[Cassandra]

I'm going to echo planning meals. It is a lot easier to do than you think.

I didn't start planning meals until a couple months ago, but since I have, there have been a lot of changes to how we (fiance, brother, and myself) eat. For one, it is a lot healthier. I cook most nights so we no longer eat the frozen and boxed dinners (which we used to buy more of). Grocery shopping is also a lot cheaper. No more buying things we *might* need because we don't know what we are having for dinner. We have a list of ingredients to get and we know that everything will be used and nothing will go to waste.

Here is a little tidbit to think about: restaurants plan menus based on common ingredients. Menus are planned so that every ingredient is used in at least two or three recipes. Then there will be one (or two) recipes that don't have a lot of ingredients in common with the other recipes.

Mimicking how a restaurant works will save you money. Start by picking a "theme" for each week. If chicken is on sale, look on the internet (myrecipes.com has become a favorite site of mine) for different chicken recipes. Pick three or four that have some ingredients in common (maybe you see two recipes that each need half an onion and a clove of garlic, etc.) and plan on making those. Then think about what else you would like to have that week. Again, look for recipes that have some ingredients in common.

Planning meals is really easy to do. The first time you plan your meals for the week it might take awhile. But soon you'll be really good at it and wonder why you thought it was so hard. Good luck!

[Radiance]

Cassandra, thanks, I think what happens to me is that I try to achieve so much on my meal plan that I end up achieving nothing!

ok, so, if I follow you, I like the chicken for starters, I like chicken, I know 2-3 recipes myself and my son loves chicken. Then, bam! I hesitate. How do I ensure it is a balanced diet? How do I incorporate the right amount of veggies? Am I including the right amount of iron, proteins, minerals, ahhh!

Plus, if I eat chicken more than 3 times a week, I'll go crazy. My baby is more flexible, he can have the same lunch 4-5 times a week, no problem.

Then, that is lunch, how about breakfasts, morning snacks, afternoon snacks and dinner? See how I drive myself crazy?

I think for now I could cook 7 racions of chicken but freeze and eat it in a 2-3 week period, not every day.

Help!

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by Radiance

if I eat chicken more than 3 times a week, I'll go crazy.

That's what your freezer is for. If there is a good sale on chicken, but it and portion it off and freeze it. It is cheaper per pound to buy the tray of 6 or 8 chicken breasts than the pack of 2 so take advantage of that bulk discount.

[Radiance]

ok, so dumb question.
If I cook 7 portions and freeze. I eat 3 of those on one week. What do I eat the rest of that week?
I am also challenged about when to cook. I have not been able to get myself to cook everyday. My baby's sleep time is 9pm. I usually cook after he is in bed for two reasons

1) As a toddler he needs constant supervision
2) I hardly see him so I like spending my evenings in feeding, playing, bathing him.

[Cassandra]

Originally Posted by Radiance

Cassandra, thanks, I think what happens to me is that I try to achieve so much on my meal plan that I end up achieving nothing!

ok, so, if I follow you, I like the chicken for starters, I like chicken, I know 2-3 recipes myself and my son loves chicken. Then, bam! I hesitate. How do I ensure it is a balanced diet? How do I incorporate the right amount of veggies? Am I including the right amount of iron, proteins, minerals, ahhh!

Plus, if I eat chicken more than 3 times a week, I'll go crazy. My baby is more flexible, he can have the same lunch 4-5 times a week, no problem.

Then, that is lunch, how about breakfasts, morning snacks, afternoon snacks and dinner? See how I drive myself crazy?

I think for now I could cook 7 racions of chicken but freeze and eat it in a 2-3 week period, not every day.

Help!

I know what you mean. It can be a little tricky figuring out how to balance your meals properly. Try not to over think it though. Just listen to your body- it will tell you what you need. As you look through recipes, certain ones will jump out at you. Make those. Some weeks, my absolute favorite recipes don't sound appetizing at all and I'll want to make something I haven't eaten in awhile. I try to make sure I get a little bit of everything each day, but if I go a couple days without meat, no big deal. Same with fruit and veggies.

Definitely do as DisneySteve said. If it is on sale, buy it in bulk and just freeze what you won't eat for the week. No problems with only having chicken a couple times a week. If you properly freeze it, it will last for awhile and you can take out what you need as you need it.

I usually eat the same thing for breakfast every day. I usually have cereal or bagels. I'll get oatmeal every couple weeks just to change it up. I like routines so having the same breakfast everyday works for me. It is also easy to make so I don't have to concentrate a lot on what I am eating when I am getting ready for the day.

If you don't want to eat the same thing of breakfast every day (and I get why, it can get boring), start with a breakfast item you really like. Cereal? Toast? Eggs? Then build on that. If you really like Cheerios, get some fruit (bananas, blueberries, etc.) to add to the cereal whenever you want. Then every other week, get another breakfast item you like but won't go through as fast (oatmeal, bagels, whatever). One day you have Cheerios with blueberries, the next you have plain Cheerios, and the next day you have a bagel and a banana. Alternate it however you like and according to what you feel like having. But pick a couple "main" breakfast items and then "accessorize" it to what you feel like having.

The same applies to lunch and snacks and dinner. Pick a couple of "themes" and then get some "accessories" to change it so you don't go crazy having the same thing every night.

[Cassandra]

Originally Posted by Radiance

I am also challenged about when to cook. I have not been able to get myself to cook everyday. My baby's sleep time is 9pm. I usually cook after he is in bed for two reasons

1) As a toddler he needs constant supervision
2) I hardly see him so I like spending my evenings in feeding, playing, bathing him.

Is there a day of the week where you have a couple hours to yourself? If so, spend a couple hours cooking and then freeze what you make so can pop it in the microwave for when you want to eat it.

Myrecipes.com is a really great site to check out. They have a "quick and easy" section of meals that require very little cooking and time to make. They are also running a weekly article called "One List, Five Meals" (here is an example of what it is) that you might want to check out. Look at the other weeks for the "One List" too. It can give you ideas on how to build meals for the week on a few key ingredients.

[Radiance]

Yes, I could cook Mondays and Wednesdays and then on the weekends.

Another dumb question, I am told to create a shopping list BEFORE I go to the grocery store. But I am soupossed to buy what they have on sale...aren't those two instructions contradictory?...me lost.

[ktmarvels]

Originally Posted by Radiance

Another dumb question, I am told to create a shopping list BEFORE I go to the grocery store. But I am soupossed to buy what they have on sale...aren't those two instructions contradictory?...me lost.

In our area some of the grocery stores mail sales fliers out to people or have them in the newspaper. If you don't have access to them through these methods (which, since you are asking, I'm assuming you don't) they usually have them available online at the store's website.

[ktmarvels]

Originally Posted by Radiance

If I cook 7 portions and freeze. I eat 3 of those on one week. What do I eat the rest of that week?

If you keep up, eventually you'll have enough. For example if week 1 you have 7 chicken dinners, you eat 3 during week one and make other meals for the rest of the week (salads, meat entree, soup, pasta, whatever). Then week 2 ground beef is on sale so you make 7 portions, and eat 3. Then you can eat two of your chicken dinners. That leaves 2 nights to "come up with dinner". Week 3, lets say fish is on sale. So make 7, eat 3 fish, 2 chicken, 2 beef. If you keep in that manner you'll have some variety and always have some food on hand. Now, of course, this is just one way of doing it.

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by Radiance

Another dumb question, I am told to create a shopping list BEFORE I go to the grocery store. But I am soupossed to buy what they have on sale...aren't those two instructions contradictory?...me lost.

Sit down each week and review the sale flyers from your local stores as well as the coupons in the Sunday paper. Make your list and plan your meals and cooking based in part on the sale and coupon offers.

[Radiance]

One would think that a clever woman like me could have come up with this things. ...

I am discovering that I stress so much about it that I go blank. Kind of when you have a test at school and go blank only because you are nervous.

I do receive those flyers, in bulk loads! I just never went through them and went straight to the recycle bin. Shame, shame. ok, I will go throuth them this weekend. Are they really worth it? I always thought that a 10c coupon was not worth my time. But, again, I have sucked at grocery shopping , til now.

Currently in the freezer
3 lentil portions for baby
2 zuchini rice for baby, 2 for mommy.
On the pantry: pasta, leftover zuchini, left over pumpkin
Tomorrow I am cooking chicken and brocoli. I need to buy the brocoli.

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by Radiance

Are they really worth it? I always thought that a 10c coupon was not worth my time.

Let's say that each week, you could find 5 items on sale for $.25 off each item. In a year, you will have saved $65.00. In reality, most sales are for a lot more than $.25 off so the savings can be even greater. You can also combine manufacturer coupons with store sales. In fact, the weekly coupons generally mirror store sales. When your local supermarket puts Frosted Flakes on sale, there is a good chance that the Sunday paper will also have a Frosted Flakes coupon.

[MonkeyMama]

Yes, it is definitely worth buying things on sale! Where we live, we find shopping sales far more lucrative than clipping coupons. But definitely worth the time to go through all the sales ads. & even the few coupons we clip are worth the savings (we'd save hundreds over the year, for sure, and we aren't particularly coupon crazy).

To add to that though - ice cream is something we would pretty much never buy unless it was on sale. BAsically, we only buy treats like that when they are on sale (which they are often enough). Also, when we see things on sale, that we didn't know ahead of time - we definitely stock up on them if they are things we regularly use. As others mentioned, it could be more of an upfront cost, but with time you will find yourself spending less.

[Radiance]

Do you ever find that things that are "on sale" are really not?

For example, let's say you can find an item at $3.
Suddenly there is an offer in that item but wat thay have done is say "regular price" is 5.00, save $1 and pay $4!

Also I have seen some things on sale under one brand, but the store brand is still cheaper and similar quality (or better!)

Just trying to undestand.

I am currently tracking my grocery shopping by item. I will do it for some time this way I can get used to what is a "good price" for let's say a pound of meat. Don't ask me now, $9/lb, $4/lb on similar quality? no idea.
Bread is 3.90 on whole grain, 1.99 on white. But need to look on walmart.

[creditcardfree]

Radiance, what kinds of things do you eat now? What have you eaten for lunch and dinner in the last week? What do you like?

At our house, we have tacos, spaghetti, eggs/pancakes, chicken, fish, soup, sandwiches, and salads nearly every week. Yes, we do break pattern, do take advantage of sales, but we are much more consistent with our meals.

I do agree with checking sales and coupons, just remember that you don't have to change how you eat overnight. Many of the meals you enjoy now, can be incorporated to your meal planning. Most likely you will repeat those foods that you love. With variety will come nutrition as well.