I went to the grocery store last night. I had budgeted $150 and spent $190. I really didn't need that much but it seems that whenever I go to the grocery store I can't help myself from buying what we don't need. I didn't get any junk food though so that is a plus. Maybe I should up my budgeted amount. Any suggestions on how I can keep from spending so much at the store(not coupons or anything like that...have tried and take too much time for the amount you save.) I think it is because for so many years I didn't budget for the grocery store and I wasn't able to spend money on groceries. I am in a better place now so I tend to spend more.
I have made a new goal, not financial though. I am going to try my best to lose 1 pound a week. I think I can do it. I have started taking my thryoid medication again so that should get under control. I also bought oatmeal to have for breakfast at work. I plan to wein myself off the dr pepper I have every morning. Get a large now, will reduce to med and then to small. I will attempt to drink more water. I also plan to walk on the treadmill as much as I can tolerate. My shins start hurting after I have been walking for about 5 minutes. I know that will get better as I build up my resistance. I have got to do something...I am outgrowing my clothes and not in a good way. I need you guys to cheer me on.
Grocery Shopping and New Goal
December 16th, 2011 at 05:49 pm
December 16th, 2011 at 05:54 pm 1324058072
I think those are great goals. Did you know you only need to be deficient 3500 calories per week to lose one pound? That is 500 calories per day that you either need to exercise off or reduce in food intake. Less Dr. Pepper will help!
December 16th, 2011 at 06:00 pm 1324058454
December 16th, 2011 at 06:05 pm 1324058708
I get annoyed with my family, but it's as much my fault as theirs; the only types of fruit I really like are expensive, and my nondairy versions of cheese, sour cream etc. are expensive too.
I should just up our monthly budget, especially now that we have diapers and wipes on it, and will have more diapers and wipes and possibly formula next year. But I'm stubborn! We got an Amex card that gives 6% statement credits for grocery purchases, and I used to take that money and put it toward debt or other things, but now I'm going to fold it back into the grocery budget and see if that little bit of help will enable us to stay within budget.
I like your goal! I've finally gotten back to a weight I'm happy with, but I need to keep an eye on it or it'll creep back up. So I'll be cheering you on!
December 16th, 2011 at 06:14 pm 1324059295
December 16th, 2011 at 06:33 pm 1324060426
December 16th, 2011 at 07:23 pm 1324063436
December 16th, 2011 at 07:28 pm 1324063717
Our biggest saving came from meal planning. It's important to have a pen & paper as you sit down to watch your fav TV shows or talk on the phone. With grocery store flyers use commercials to note loss leaders from the 2 food stores you frequent. It's a time vs money trade-off. I go to a couple of ethnic food stores to buy rice, noodles/pasta and some fruits because those have long shelf life and are so-ooo much cheaper.
If flyers feature cuts of meat that are unfamiliar, www.cooks.com is just one of thousands of on-line sites. The current protein/meat serving considered healthy is merely 4 oz. If making a roast or larger cut, you need a 'make-over' plan. How will you use the leftovers?
December 16th, 2011 at 07:41 pm 1324064462
Finally, if you use brand names, try switching anything that bakes/cooks to house brand. For example, if you use ketchup to make sauce, it can be the cheapest container. Sometimes you need to do the math, how much per unit is often shown, how much per serving is important, sale priced chicken breast can be cheaper as there is no skin, no bones, no waste and fast, fast, fast.
Convenience, pre-packaged food is full of chemicals and salt, not as healthy as you imagine. Have you checked out how much sugar is in your fav soda? Perhaps it can be your reward for your exercise time.
December 17th, 2011 at 01:05 am 1324083931
December 17th, 2011 at 02:50 am 1324090213
Maybe something you can do is make your shopping list from top priority to bottom priority. Keep track of how much the bill is as you get things from the list, and then stop when you near your limit. Then just make do with what you have til the next time you have a budgeted shopping trip. (This is something I need to do!)
December 20th, 2011 at 05:18 am 1324358339