Meal planning is a great way to have a plan in place for how you will allocate your grocery dollars. It also makes it easy to simply walk into the kitchen each night, already knowing what you're going to have for dinner and alleviating the age-old question and associated stress. However, for seniors on a budget, meal planning may not previously have been a consideration. With these strategies, you can improve your ability to meal plan even when you're dealing with a tight budget.
The Importance of Meal Planning When You're on a Budget
For seniors on a tight budget, meal planning is even more important than it would be for those not dealing with economic constraints. It allows you to plan your meals in advance and pinpoint your spending so that it is within your budget. Knowing what you're going to buy ahead of time can help prevent overspending when shopping in the grocery store while also allowing you to make nutritional choices that are safe, sustainable, and less expensive.
Additionally, consistent meal planning each week enables seniors living on a budget to keep track of what is being purchased at the store and accurately monitor usage so food does not go bad before it can be used. Without careful monitoring, wasted food quickly adds up, which could result in fewer meals per month and poorer nutrition overall due to subpar meals. Meal planning is essential for any household, but especially for those who do not have extra financial resources available beyond their income restrictions.
How to Meal Plan on a Budget
When it comes to meal planning on a budget, there are some key strategies one can follow in order to get the best possible nutrition for their money. Here are six ways you can use nutrition and cost as motivators when creating your grocery list:
- Make Nutrition Top Priority: Before considering the price, assess what nutritionally balanced ingredients will be a part of your meals. Incorporate the appropriate recommended servings of grains, dairy products, and lean proteins so you can form delicious, healthy dishes using these items each week with minimal effort.
- Shop in Bulk: Buying larger portions of certain items like grains or even frozen foods is often less expensive than buying smaller amounts at higher prices per unit. On occasion, this could also result in having more food available than you need; however, all food waste is not created equal - an extra banana isn't quite as costly as an entire box of prepped dinners brought home for too many nights that end up going unused! It's also important to consider how you can store bulk items in your home to reduce waste.
- Look for Ways to Use Leftovers: Put thought into how leftovers from previous meals may be repurposed either at other mealtimes throughout the week or prepared ahead if mornings get hectic (pancake mixes ready to go!). Being creative with leftovers is a great way to 'stretch' grocery purchases while reducing overall spending.
- Choose the Right Store: Visit stores whose sales cycles offer discounts on nutritious staples you know will be part of upcoming weekly meals. Grocery store advertisements detailing current sales can help you determine how to best manage your shopping for the week ahead. They exist for convenience and savings benefits, so don't skip over them.
- Select Healthy Choices First: Resist giving into impulse buys from last minute cravings and hone decision-making instead towards nutrient-dense options that provide energy.
- Avoid Unhealthy "Filler" Foods: Pay attention to the foods you buy and avoid unhealthy foods, including prepackaged cakes, chips, and cookies. While those foods might be great for your taste buds, they're not as good for your body.
Get Help with Meal Planning and Prep
Meal planning and prep, like many of the other activities of daily living, can quickly grow stressful for many seniors. A senior caregiver, however, can help manage many of those daily tasks and help seniors stay at home longer–a key consideration that can help stretch senior budgets. At Senior Helpers Greenville, we provide in-home care and support for seniors in Simpsonville and Greenville. Contact us today to learn more.