At the moment I am a couple weeks in to a couple month long break from working. This is because at the moment I am focused on finishing up this RHN diploma and take a few little summer vacations (Saskatewan, Vancouver, Vancouver Island, and Seattle). I have saved enough money and carefully budgeted my expenses in preparation for this break. That being said, a quality grocery list is always one of my top priorities.. it goes so much further than just a grocery list though... it's also preventative and healing for over all health and influences energy levels, concentration, and mood.
So, here is a list of my top suggestions for anyone trying to budget without sacrificing your tasty healthy dinner for ramen noodles...
-Plan ahead; have an idea of what you want to have for future meals/snacks. This will prevent wandering around the grocery store searching for ideas and grabbing random items.
-Look through flyers; this goes in hand with the above planning ahead. See what is on sale and look for recipe inspirations online.
-Reduce waste; Are the veggies starting to look limp?.. make a soup or cook them up in a stirfry. Fruit starting to near over ripe?.. freeze them and add it to smoothies.
-Eat more vegetarian meals; In corporate more plant protein in to your diet because it costs less on your bank account and on your health. I'm not saying eating meat is bad for you, but North Americans in general consume more than what is ideal and it's taking a toll on our health and our planet. Quinoa, legumes (beans, peas, and lentils), tempeh, spirulina, nuts, and seeds (especially hemp and chia) are all quality plant sources of protein.
-Choose produce that is in season and from the clean 15 list, when not organic.
-Cook your own meals. If you know you have a busy week ahead, prepare as much as you can and keep it in the fridge/freezer to prevent eating out when you can't find the time for cooking.
-Grow your own food; use your backyard, deck/balcony, or even just some herbs on your kitchen window sill.
This is especially important for students, you need brain power, energy, and focus. I know it's difficult when funds are tight and time is even more so... I've been there... I am there!! There are times I practically live off of smoothies and stirfry, and that is okay for a while because both of those options have so many variations to make sure you get lot's of different nutritional sources. Also, supplement when your body needs it, there are lots of quality supplements at the health stores and informative staff to help you. Don't forget supplements are a "supplement" not a replacement.. whole foods are the best source of nutrients.
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