It depends on your family size. As a single person, I find Costco too expensive.
I've only spent $150 this month or $75/week. This is the cheapest way that I've found to eat healthy (lots of fruits and veg plus lean protein) in my city is a biweekly order with bountiful baskets ($22) for produce, a local discount grocery stores like WinCo for baking ingredients and dried legumes (purchased in bulk every 6 months if possible), and a biweekly shop at Trader Joe's for almost everything else. I also checked the circular at chain grocery stores near me for sale meat and occasionally picked it up if there's a good deal. I spent a little less than $130 at TJ for the other ingredients that I needed.
Since I don't know in advance what produce will be in my bountiful baskets box, I pick it up first then meal plan. I try to meal plan and go to Trader Joe's later that same day. Usually the box has enough fruit and almost enough veggies for 2 weeks for 1 person.
With meal planning, I generally make 5 recipes and aim for 4 portions. This week veggie wise there was broccoli, potatoes, poblano peppers, red onion, tomatoes, and lettuce. So over the next 2 weeks I will make – stuffed peppers, three bean chili, spaghetti with fresh tomato sauce and salad, ham sandwiches, and a chicken, potato and broccoli dinner. The only veggies that I bought at the TJs week were garlic, carrots, mushrooms, and a couple cans of tomatoes. This makes 20 nice meals. For other meals, I keep quick and easy options on hand like PB&J, omelettes, tomato soup and grilled cheese.
The pictures show my produce box, fridge after grocery shopping and my baking pantry staples.
by jone7007
3 Comments
You can add on to the money saved by growing your own food from the scraps – pepper & tomatoes are full of seeds and grow on a windowsill. Carrots regrow from the stump if placed in a bucket of moist (**not wet!**) sand. Etc
This is a really great post. Nicely done, nicely organized, and your fridge looks excellent! I too am single though I do cook for leftovers and for two and have started adding many more vegetables than I have in the past. Keeping it simple and buying what you need is a great way of keeping store cupboards organized. Great post, thanks for sharing!
I’ve started growing my own vegetables in the past couple of years and really enjoy it. your space looks minimalist and I really Like it! I’m inspired to use up what I have in my fridge and do better with a more focused weekly shop!
Great post