When the money is tight, don’t feel like you have to skimp
on what you eat. It is still important to consume the nutrients you need for optimal health. Here are some tips
for seniors who want to stay healthy and fit but may have a limited budget but need to keep up with the rigours of family
life.
A healthy body is essential to a healthy mind no matter what your
age. As you grow older, it is a part of keeping you feeling and looking young.
You don’t have to spend a fortune on food to have a good meal.
As seniors family life has changed, after retirement or living off of a monthly government check,
budgeting is important. The one thing that often gets left out is food. But, you don’t have to choose between
your bills and eating a balanced diet.
Take a look at these shopping tips to get the most out of your hard-earned
cash.
1. Clip coupons. You probably did it when you were younger,
especially if you had kids. Shopping with coupons can save you plenty of money. Coupons also allow you to purchase
items that you want to try but would normally be too expensive.
2. Plan your meals a week in advance. Create a shopping list
of the items you need to make breakfast, lunch and dinner for a week. Armed with a shopping list you are less likely
to pick up items that you don’t need, thereby increasing your grocery bill.
3. Buy the store brand. Most of the time, the store brand has
come from the same factory or off the same assembly line as the higher-priced name brand foods. Store brands have less
fancy packaging and can be offered to you at a reduced cost.
4. Buy in bulk. Shopping at a food warehouse or price club,
you can purchase frequently used foods in bulk to cut down on weekly and monthly food bills. For meats, separate large
packages into freezer bags and label them instead of thawing out the entire package of meat.
5. Buy fresh from the farmer’s market. Fresh fruits and
vegetables have more flavor and nutrients than canned ones. To prolong their shelf life, store unwashed produce in the
freezer until you are ready to use it.
6. Keep a pantry full of useful staples. While meat, dairy and
produce are purchased on a more frequent basis, other items can be stocked for a quick meal at any time. Items like
rice, pasta, spaghetti sauce, salad dressing, cereals, soups and crackers can be purchased and stored until you need them.
Combine leftovers from a meal with some rice to create a casserole.
Is it time to hit the grocery store? Use these helpful family
life shopping tips to get the most for your money during each trip.
