Eat Well, Spend Less: Wk. 3 Round-Up
I hope this series on grocery shopping and cooking for families proved to be a valuable topic worthy of discussion here on GoodLife Eats. Below you’ll find a round-up of the last 3 weeks of posts.
If you’re interested in this series continuing on a monthly basis, I’d love to hear from you. Please let me know if there are any topics you’d like to see addressed.
Don’t forget to check out the Grocery Gift Card Giveaway at the end of this post!
Week 3 – How I Grocery Shop to Save (on Time and Money)
How I grocery shop is probably a little different than the average person just by the nature of being a food blogger. I’m constantly preparing new foods, doing a little recipe development and research, plus feeding my family.
I can’t always “shop the sales” when I need an ingredient, but I can shop for my groceries at the places that give me the best bargain – both monetarily and time.
I’m not saying that the way I grocery shop is the ONLY way. My real message is that you have to shop the way that is best for your family. If you have time to run all over town to find the best deals each store has to offer, then so be it! Or if couponing is your thing, then clip those coupons. Look at your time, your resources, and your budget and find out what is best for you.
For more on how I shop for our family plus some smart grocery shopping tips, check out my Week 3 Eat Well, Spend Less post: How I Shop to Save.
Week 2 – Budget Recipes and Meals
I’ve found that I can be pretty resourceful when it seems that there is “nothing” in the house to eat. In reality, there’s quite a lot when you take a look through the pantry items. Very few of us actually have “nothing” in the house.
Really, what I think we mean by that is that there is “nothing” that we want to eat. Or “nothing” that is obvious to make. We just need to get a little creative with our meals.
For more Budget Recipes and meals, check out my Week 2 Eat Well, Spend Less post: 5 Favorite Budget Meals (5 for breakfast, 5 for dinner and a bonus 3 for dessert).
Week 1 – Pantry Staples
Why Homemade?
Homemade version offer unlimited customizations specific to your family’s needs and desires. I ventured into this realm out of necessity. Many of the items we love to eat just aren’t an option for Logan with his peanut allergy. I had to start making more and more from scratch.
And through that process, I found that Logan’s difficulty eating has been helped some (not cured) by encouraging him to help me prepare these homemade alternatives.
For more on DIY Recipes for Homemade Pantry Staples, check out my Week 1 Eat Well, Spend Less post. You’ll find ideas for how to get started and some of my favorite DIY Pantry Staple Recipes.
Courtney Shackelford says
I am following Kroger on Twitter and tweeted the giveaway
Courtney Shackelford says
I am a fan of Kroger on facebook
Courtney Shackelford says
I am a fan of GoodLife Eats on facebook
Courtney Shackelford says
I am graduating college and getting married this fall, so I am very concerned with shopping and cooking for two on a budget. I would love to learn more about good dinner recipes that I can make without spending a whole lot.
Mari says
http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=206671589356391&id=520433979
Mari says
I like kroger on FB (Mari Doug)
Mari says
I like you on FB (Mari Doug)
Mari says
I follow kroger on Twitter and tweeted:
http://twitter.com/LuckyDuckyToo/status/64922924007698432
Mari says
I’d like to learn more about diets/recipes that cater to people with food sensitivities/allergies.
Gina @ The Crave to Save says
shared on fb: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php#!/permalink.php?story_fbid=220789054603293&id=100001464938109
gina.m.maddox (at) gmail (dot) com
Gina @ The Crave to Save says
I like kroger on FB! “Crave to Save”
gina.m.maddox (at) gmail (dot) com
Gina @ The Crave to Save says
I like you on FB! “Crave to Save”
gina.m.maddox (at) gmail (dot) com
Gina @ The Crave to Save says
follow kroger on twitter and tweeted:http://twitter.com/#!/CrazyItalian0/status/64671328795500545
gina.m.maddox (at) gmail (dot) com
Gina @ The Crave to Save says
I learned how vital meal planning is in the saving money and eating healthy process!
gina.m.maddox (at) gmail (dot) com
Mary J says
I like Kroger on FB-Mary jaco
Mary J says
I like GoodLife Eats on Facebook -Mary Jaco
Mary J says
Tweeted:http://twitter.com/#!/maryjaco1/status/64461343843033088
Mary J says
I found some new websites to enjoy tips and recipes.
Valerie Gordon says
What impressed me the most was to focus on whole and healthy foods and to use menu plans.
Sarah in MO says
It’s been fun to see the variety and unique approach of each participant. 🙂
Eating well for less can come in many sizes and shapes. 🙂
Thanks for the giveaway!
Shannon H says
I follow you on Facebook.
Shannon H says
Learned more about meal planning and stretching meals and leftovers.
Ann Kirkham says
I learned to not let potential $$ slip by, be they coupons or gift cards. ; )
Rebecca R says
I learned how to shop multiple stores in order to get the best deal, and learned practical insights for making more home-made pantry staples.
Just Coupons says
I follow Kroger on Twitter @Just_Coupons
Tweet http://twitter.com/Just_Coupons/status/63736401082073090
Just Coupons says
I am a fan of Kroger on Facebook
(Fb name Just Coupons)
Just Coupons says
Well I learned about using similar ingredients in multiple meals to avoid over purchasing
Jennifer P says
I learned that you need to plan for healthy eating, even during busy or stressful times. That is my biggest downfall. I need to have a game plan to eat healthy & save money!!
jenn nahrstadt says
i like the recipes for mixes, like the pancake one! more of those please, as well as how to cook for a smaller family when so much of stuff is sized for larger groups of people to consume.
Jen says
This was a great series. I’m so guilty of saying “we have nothing here” when in fact i have a pantry full of goodies just waiting to be created.
I agree if you have some space and a little time growing your own food is a great way to save money. My husband and I actually made a garden in the front of our house where grass refused to grow. We planted 5 lbs of seed potatoes and got over 60 lbs. at harvest. All organic too. 🙂
Adriana says
The menu planning was a huge help to me. I thought I knew what I was doing before when I would “plan the menu” but clearly I didn’t have a clue….until now!!
Jennifer N. says
Don’t have a lot of time, but learning to cook homemade quickly is a big help.
Callie says
Following kroger on twitter and tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/lovemymrmason/status/63596357096714240
Callie says
I like you on FB (Callie Alley)
gala says
your fan on FB (gala ya)
Callie says
Biggest giveaway was that I don’t have to spend a ton of time couponing to save money. It all adds up and little things and changes could save me a lot of money! Like buying produce only in season. And not buying toiletries at the grocery store but at costco!
gala says
a fan of GoodLife Eats on Facebook (gala ya)
gala says
I learned about making my own salad dressing and other staples
Steph S says
I would like to learn how to can the vegetables I’ll be growing in my garden this year so I can make them last much longer.
Annalisa says
Shared the link on my Facebook wall
Annalisa says
Became a Kroger fan on Facebook
Annalisa says
Became a GoodLifeEats fan on Facebook
Annalisa says
Followed Kroger and retweeted the message
Annalisa says
I loved the homemade substitutes for grocery staples. I have been increasingly interesting in making my own of as much as I can from scratch over the last few years. This gave me some great ideas that I would really like to look into more and think about in the future!
Christina says
The greatest part for me was the homemade pantry staples. I prefer to make things to have in the house rather than buying them pre-packaged. I love the recipes–especially the granola bars. Yummy!
Brianna says
Well, really, the thing I liked the most was doing the basic food staples. I love cooking from scratch, but there are definately some things I haven’t messed with, you know? Like, I will make my own BBQ sauce some of the time, but yogurt, no way. Well, I am ready to try it now and looking forward to it! Thanks!
Emily says
I like you on facebook.
Emily says
I like Kroger on facebook.
Emily says
I’d like to know more about couponing.
Melissa G. says
Your series had made me realize that shopping and living smart take planning, but that the planning is doable.
lesley says
I was looking through your post and I spotted a picture of bow tie pasta, broccoli and sausage. I was thinking I’ve seen this picture before .. yes I had, Pioneer woman recently posted this picture with a link to your recipe. Looks good !
Thesa says
I have just been thrilled to read all this and see that I am on the right track. Lots of good info and I am relaxed in the fact that I should do what works for me and my family. Over the last 3-4 years I have learned that eating well and saving money takes planning AND it does not happen overnight. Lots of trial and error until it becomes a part of life.
Amy E. says
My greatest takeaway from the series is that there are many different ways to save money and you can do what works best for you – coupons have not worked well for me but sticking to mostly homemade foods a couple of stores is the way I save.
Coco and Isa says
I learned to always bring a list. I am a horrible shopper.
Courtney says
It helps me to spend less where it matters.
Courtney says
Liked Kroger of Facebook.
Whitney says
My biggest takeaway was that if I plan well, and take a bit of extra time in the kitchen ahead of time, I can provide nutritious and healtier foods for my family. And I think this would take a bit of the evening ‘what do I cook?’ stress off of me as well as the guilt of not taking more time to cook a good meal for my family.
I would like to learn more about preparing dishes or components of the dishes ahead of time, so that I can quickly put dinner together.
Rachel says
I would also like to hear more about canning! 🙂
Melissa says
I “liked” Goodlife Eats on FB
Melissa says
I shared the giveaway on FB
Melissa says
I am following @KrogerCo on Twitter & tweeted the giveaway
Melissa says
I like Kroger on FB
Melissa says
I learned about being more resourceful with what is in the pantry, rather than heading to the store. This week, today would be my normal grocery shopping day. We’ve had such nasty storms, that I’ve decided to see if I can extend the trip to the weekend, if not all the way until next week, by working with what I have.
Kathy says
I’d like to learn more about eating seasonally and preserving each season’s bounty to use at other times of year (canning, drying, etc).
misty gorman says
this would be a whole week of groceries for my family. thanks for the great giveaway!
Sarah says
The thing that I took away most from the series is to do what you can. I also want to try to make more foods from scratch, starting with yogurt.
Jen says
I liked hearing everyone’s comments about shopping at Costco!
Suzanne says
I’d love to learn more about canning! I”m new at that!
Cheryl F. says
Shared the giveaway on Facebook
Cheryl F. says
I Like Kroger on Facebook
Cheryl F. says
I Like goodLife {eats} on Facebook
Cheryl F. says
Following @KrogerCo on Twitter and Tweeted the giveaway
Cheryl F. says
I learned that “Not only is it cheaper to make your own real food staples, you know exactly what is going into your food.” *Thanks* for the giveaway!
Kate says
I have learned to utilize pantry staples on a regular basis even when there is nothing to eat!
Lauren says
I really liked the idea of shopping at more than one store. It might take a bit more time, but I suppose you could save a lot!
Shea Tinder says
I loved the homemade staples post. Great ideas!!
Elizabeth F says
I am a fan of Kroger on FB.
Elizabeth F says
I am a fan of your blog on FB.
Elizabeth F says
I enjoy your blog. I am new at couponing so it was helpful to read about it and how to get good deal on healthy foods.
Janet Krugel says
I have caught the end of this Eat Well, Spend Less, but I am so excited to get caught up!! My husband and I have been on a weight loss journey for the past year. I have lost 90 lbs and he has lost 160 lbs!!! We both have quite a way to go, but it’s been fun so far. We have just discovered the power of coupons and I have been trying to find the right network of blogs for me. I wondered when we began looking at coupons if we would be able to keep up our good eating habits with the coupons and this series is PERFECT!!
How we save money (prior to discovering coupons): My husband works in the meat market at Brookshires and my stepmom is a Dept. Manager at Kroger. We find out about deals at both stores through those inside connections!! The trick is we have to have money when the special happens and that is not always easy for us. We have bought a LOT of markdown, almost out of date, meat over the past couple of years and it feels like we are at the mercy of people not buying something before it goes bad. Just in the past three weeks, we are getting better at the coupons and are having so much fun!!
I am following all of the bloggers on this series now through email and when our computer gets out of the pawn shop (ugh!!) I will be following everyone on Facebook as well.
God Bless You All!!!
Janet
Vanessa says
Thanks for this great series! I am focusing on shopping less during the month.
Katie says
I like you on facebook
Katie says
I really liked the segment on homemade pantry staples, really great ideas!
Aoril V says
FB fan of Kroger.
Aoril V says
I loved reading about being creative when there’s “nothing” to eat. We usually have lots of things, just things we really don’t want. We could probably make lots of great things if we try with the things we do have!
Elizabeth W says
The greatest thing for me was seeing the benefits of homemade.
Happy When Not Hungry says
Tips on making homemade staples instead of buying them was definitely helpful for me! I eat a granola bar everyday for my afternoon snack at work and making homemade ones is cheaper and also healthier!
Stacy G says
I liked all the vegetarian meals and loads of other new ideas
Sam says
I like you on FB.
Sam says
I liked Kroger on FB.
Sam says
I loved the tips on frugal meals, especially meatless ones. I’m trying to incorporate more of those.
Tina M says
http://twitter.com/#!/HappyTina0115/status/63083564429881345
Tina M says
I liked how you Budget Recipes and Meals
Pamela says
What I found the most useful was the recipes and encouragement to cook from scratch. Thanks!
Karen says
Tips on stretching meat for several meals; making pantry staples like salad dressings, jams, etc. from scratch; and lots of frugal meal suggestions.
Leigh says
I like Kroger on FB!
Leigh says
I like you on FB!
Leigh says
I follow Kroger and tweeted!
Leigh says
I want info on preserving and canning! I loved the homemade staples that you shared!!!
Allison C says
I was a big fan of all the budget friendly recipes. We are saving for our first house so saving money tips we very much appreciated. This was a great series. Thanks!
Julie Turner says
I loved this series! My favorite posts were on priorities- saving time and money. Encouraged to start meal planning more diligently and also use my Costco membership to the fullest. Thanks!
Mary Elderton says
I joined Kroger on twitter as mbm218 and tweeted:
http://twitter.com/#!/mbm218/status/63049963894095872
Mary Elderton says
I’ve enjoyed the “How I Shop.” When I had teenage boys at home and a very tightly budgeted teacher’s salary, I hit the sales, couponed, stockpiled–anything I could do to stretch a penny. Now that it just my husband and me–still on a budget, but not so much panic!—I am relearning how to shop and am grateful to hear what others are doing
Joy says
I would like to do more meal planning and see how that helps me save money each month.
Tara says
like Kroger on facebook
Tara says
like you on facebook
Tara says
follow Kroger on twitter and tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/huffychic/status/63015882103848960
Tara says
I enjoyed the Budget Recipes and Meals.
Renee says
I loved the homemade versions for cooking staples.
I also loved the discussion on dry beans.
April W. says
The thing I learned today from the series is that the top 5 most expensive items aren’t only exclusive to my area. I’d thought cheese might be less expensive elsewhere. Comparatively speaking, I guess not.
Megan says
The best thing that I took away from this series was the encouragement that eating well for less can be done!
Shannon says
I follow Kroger on FB.
Shannon says
Having a meal plan helps tremendously!
Jessica-MomForHim says
Trying to use more beans!
Darla says
I am trying to focus on shopping less, using from my freezer and pantry and being more diligent about meal planning.
Kristy says
I love the homemade pantry staples list – that is going to be put to great use!
But the biggest take away for me was the knowledge that is okay not to be a coupon shopper right now, especially when I was not able to save the price of the paper each month. I can still feed my family healthy cheap meals.
Heather M. says
Making a lot of foods from scratch, beans, yogurt, etc.
Tina says
I love your website. I learned to check the pantry and create meals with ingredients that I have in stock
Sara Dickinson says
I am currently working on a price database for the stores that I shop and the most common items I buy so that I can pair my coupons with sale items for the best price possible.
Heather Spooner says
I’ve learned to keep an inventory of my pantry, so I don’t overbuy.
Suanna says
I enjoyed seeing what goes on in other parts of the country.
Nicole Greene says
shared on fb http://on.fb.me/hLl9AM
Nicole Greene says
I “LIKE” you on FB (Nicole Pitts)
Nicole Greene says
I “LIKE” Kroger on FB (Nicole Pitts)
Nicole Greene says
I follow Kroger on twitter @pittsy82 and tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/pittsy82/status/62960744408428546
Nicole Greene says
I really enjoyed the Budget Recipes and Meals—seems everything I cook takes a lot of ingredients, time, and money. These really helped with ideas for meals!
Julie H says
I’ve learned to watch sale cycles, buy what I need until the next cycle. KNowing that I can always put together a meal with what i already have!
Elizabeth says
I liked all the ways to make delicious food on a low budget. I’m especially interested in eating less meat to stretch the budget.
Liz Meyer says
I just posted about your giveaway on my Facebook page. Thanks!
Liz Meyer says
I just became a fan of goodLife Eats on Facebook.
Liz Meyer says
I am a fan of Kroger on Facebook.
Liz Meyer says
I learned a lot from all of the homemade tips and recipes. I’m excited to try them out! I am also working to incorporate more beans to supplement or replace meat in our weekly menus.
Mami2jcn says
I shared on Facebook with my username Mary Happymommy.
Mami2jcn says
I follow Kroger on Twitter (@mami2jcn) and tweeted-http://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/62944734175432704
Mami2jcn says
I like GoodLife Eats on Facebook with my username Mary Happymommy.
Mami2jcn says
I like Kroger on Facebook with my username Mary Happymommy.
Mami2jcn says
I liked the info about long term food storage.
Jessica says
I just recently started using coupons, so I really enjoyed the suggestions about how to use coupons for healthy foods. Very helpful!
Heidi says
I try to plan weekly menus with similar ingredients. Then shop at Meijer or Trader Joes
Amy L says
following kroger on twitter & tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/amylou61/status/62935656183246848
Becky says
I liked Kroger on FB
Becky says
I “liked” Good Life Eats on FB
Becky says
I really liked the article on Pantry Meals. It really helped me to think more creatively when planning meals.
Amy L says
I liked your recipe for making granola bars. It’s great that you made it flexible, so I can choose my preferred ingredients. I can’t wait to see how my own bars will compare with the ones I’ve been buying. Thanks!
Sarah says
Shared on FB!
Sarah says
Liked Good Life {eats} on FB!
Sarah says
Liked Kroger on FB!
Sarah says
Making more from scratch!
Kristi F. says
I learned that there are lots of different ways to save money on good food, and no one right way. I’m working to put lots of these ideas together to find a system that works for us.
Erika says
I liked Carrie’s breakdown for what each store has the best prices on.
Melissa says
I like Kroger on Facebook.
Melissa says
I like Good Life Eats on Facebook.
Melissa says
I follow both goodlifeeats and Kroger on Twitter, I just tweeted about the giveaway.
Melissa says
I would love to see more ideas for frugal, homemade meals and pantry staples. I can’t get enough of those! I feel like I get into a meal rut where I’m making the same things over and over. Maybe a quarterly series of this based on seasonal foods?
karen says
My take away was inspiration to try all the great frugal meals that were shared! It was wonderful to see so many family friendly frugal meals–my May menu plan is ready to go!
Micah says
Loved the frugal recipes.
Dawn C says
I shop different stores for the best price and that saves me money, whether produce or bulk or everyday items and I save gas by doing it with other errands
Kelli says
Utilize your freezer to buy in bulk when things are on sale.
natalie (the sweets life) says
I think the biggest takeaway is your key message–that it’s different for every family!I know things I do don’t necessarily work for others and vice versa…I also know things will change as our family expands.
Julie Sanchez says
I learned that if I’m going to do this healthy eating thing (ha!) I’m not going to be able to use a coupon on everything that I buy. 🙂
Katie D. says
What I would like to know more about: I am a college student living on campus. I have access to a microwave, but that is it. How can I eat real food for less? I do yogurt and instant oatmeal for breakfast, but I’m stuck on everything else.
Betsy says
I try to grow a garden in the summer to save on my vegi bill.
AshleyD says
I’d love to see ideas and recipes for having people over.
Sharon says
I’d like to learn about menu planning. It really intimidates me, but I’m sure it would be beneficial as far as reducing spending and time cooking.
Destiny says
I’m a fan on Facebook!
JUlie says
My biggest takeaway is the recipes. It’s great having some new frugal meals and uses for things I buy. It’ll be great to change things up and add even more healthy dishes to our routine.
JUlie says
I like Kroger on facebook.
Julie says
I’m a fan of GLE on facebook!
Julie says
Its true that different stores are better for buying some things and others for different things. Being mindful of that when im deciding what I need and where I should shop has saved me a ton of money!
MamaFeelgood says
I am a fan of Good life Eats on Facebook
MamaFeelgood says
I am enjoying all of the fantastic recipes
Hillary says
Making large recipes out of a few, fresh ingredients lets me eat well on a small, graduate student’s budget! I survive on leftovers! Thanks for the helpful recipes!
Ali says
I loved the recipes for pancake mix, taco seasoning, etc. Can’t wait to try them. But I always like reading other people’s systems on shopping, etc. I do a little bit of everything and it works for me. Walked out of CVS with a load of things and paid nothing….but I don’t have time for it each week. So everything in moderation and fitting your season in life. Great idea to tag-team the series as well!
Amy says
I would like to learn more about using pantry staples as I am part of a local organic food coop and I buy in bulk. I feel like I need to get a calendar out to remind myself that I need to use certain items.
Shar says
‘Like’ Kroger on Facebook.
Amy says
I liked you on FB.
Shar says
‘Like’ GoodLife Eats on Facebook.
Shar says
Follow Kroger on Twitter and tweeted:
http://twitter.com/#!/hjkllkjh/status/62890147309559808
Shar says
I like the frugal meal ideas.
karen says
I like Goodlife Eats on FB
karen says
I like Kroger on FB
karen says
I really liked the homemade pantry staples info.
Chris M. says
I like the fresh produce advice. thanks.
Destiny says
I really enjoyed the homemade pantry staples!
KQ says
I enjoyed learning about making pantry staples economically.
Jessie C. says
Shared on FB@tcarolinep JessieKatie S
Jessie C. says
fan of Kroger on Facebook.@tcarolinep jessieKatie S
Jessie C. says
fan of GoodLife Eats on Facebook.@tcarolinep jessieKatie S
Jessie C. says
tweet.http://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/62881307033735168
Jessie C. says
I love reading Smart Shopping Do’s and Don’ts and your experience of shopping at Costco.
Michelle says
I like Kroger on FB
Michelle says
I do find myself already using coupons, seeking out the best deals and not shoping all over town to get that deal. It pay to think of how much gas you will spend to get that deal and is it worth it? Always be smart in your plans. 🙂
Marisa says
I’m a new fan on FB as well!
Marisa says
I loved the bread recipes from week 1. I’m trying to go more homemade & bread is daunting!
Darcy Baldwin says
I loved reading everyone’s take on how they shop
Chris Sorel says
fan of kroger on facebook
Chris Sorel says
fan of GoodLife Eats on Facebook.
Chris Sorel says
follow kroger and tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/cjsorel/status/62865581342330880
Steph says
http://twitter.com/#!/DesMoinesDealin/status/62867068013383680
Steph says
I really enjoyed the posts on meatless main dishes!
Chris Sorel says
I enjoyed the Homemade Substitutes for Grocery Staples many good idea through out