For the fourth consecutive year, the increase in food prices is expected to out-pace inflation in 2016.
It’s predicted food costs fore the average Canadian household will be an additional $345 over the course of the year.
The Food Price Report 2016 released this month predicts food inflation rates to rise by between two and four per cent.
As the cost of food continues to rise, many are living on a budget and looking for ways to reduce food expenses without sacrificing nutrition.
Here are some money saving tips for grocery shopping to help save money:
Use cash for shopping-
Various studies have shown how people who shop with a credit card pay 12 to 18 per cent more than those who shop with cash. When you shop with cash you can only spend what you have.
Shop with coupons
It’s possible to save around 10 per cent on groceries when using coupons.
Save another 10 per cent by comparing prices with competitor’s flyers.
Most grocery stores will match competitors advertised prices.
Talk to your grocery store manager see if they will price match and save you time, gas and money going elsewhere
Shop on a full stomach
Don’t go shopping on an empty stomach and fall prey to impulse spending.
Making a grocery list and sticking to it can save on your grocery bill.
Stock up when the sales are on
Stocking up on groceries that are on sale will also lower your shopping bill.
Consider a freezer to save you even more.
Bread, meat, fruit and frozen vegetables are great year-round.
Cut out the junk
Choose to avoid empty calories and junk food like pop, cookies and chips.
Instead, shop the perimeter of the store for healthy, whole foods.
Look for foods that will give you the most nutrients for the least amount of money.
Fresh fruits and vegetables provide key nutrients at a reasonable cost.
Fruit can be expensive, but some cost saving option include bananas, plums, watermelon, pears, kiwi, cantaloupe and nectarines.
Meat is one of the most expensive items on your grocery list. If your budget is really tight, try other less expensive protein options.
Eggs and canned fish is a good option for sandwiches and salads, vegetarian sources of proteins like beans and lentils are also inexpensive and highly nutritious.
Other protein options include cottage cheese, nut butters, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and quinoa.
And try protein powder for a quick breakfast shake or post-exercise workout meal.
Avoid the quick fix
Avoiding fast food and choosing instead to prepare meals at home is the best way save money and eat better.
Keep your fridge and pantry stocked with a supply of healthy foods is key to preparing nutritious meals.
On weekends or whenever you have time to cook more involved meals, make extra servings to freeze for future meals.
When you choose a variety of colourful fruits and veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins you’ll feel fabulous inside and out.
The benefits of healthy eating for seniors includes increased mental acuteness, resistance to illness and disease, higher energy levels, a more robust immune system, faster recuperation times, and better management of chronic health problems.
As we age, eating well can also be the key to a positive outlook and staying emotionally balanced.
