10 Ways to Save Money in the Kitchen
If you think this lifestyle is expensive, think again. There are tons of ways that we Americans are wasting food and products in the kitchen. Try these ideas to shave off some of the expenses. With that, let’s go over the 10 Ways to Save Money in the Kitchen!
1. Never let fruit go to waste
If you see that fruit is getting too ripe and the kids are holding up pieces and saying “Ew!” consider using that fruit to go in a smoothie. Either put it in like it is, or better yet, stick it in a freezer bag and freeze. You will never need to throw it out again!
2. Be more resourceful
Use free shower caps (from the hotels) as tops to bowls and containers of food rather then a fresh piece of saran wrap!
3. Save scraps
When cutting up veggies, there are always spare pieces. Save these in a container and use for soup stock. Just boil all the peices together in a pot and drain. Never buy boxed soup stock again.
4. Buy in bulk
Check out your local natural health food store and buy in bulk when available. Sometimes, there is as much as a 75% discount to doing this. Labeling and packaging costs manufacturers and they then pass those costs to you!
5. Check out different local markets.
I have bought gorgeous spices in my Latina market, amazing young coconuts at my local asian market, and great produce at different area farmers markets!
6. Have a sushi night with leftovers.
When I don’t know what to make for dinner, I will make up a big pot of rice (sometimes with some extra water to make it super sticky) heat up leftovers (veggies, fish…) cut up an avocado and put all of these things on the table.
7. Get a juicer and a vitamix
I have thrown things in a juicer, like parsley stems, pineapple cores and been able to use everything up! I have put things in a vitamix, like extra spinach from the night before and made amazing smoothies. This is a great way to save money in the long term.
8. Make bean chili
You can put anything in bean chili! Leftover cooked vegetables, little bits of salsa at the bottom of a container. If you use a slow cooker, you can put it all on before you leave for the day and come home to a beautiful, warm meal.
9. Grow your own onions
Place spring onions in a jar or glass with water. Place roots in the water, green side up. Then, when you need onions, just clips the tops. The onions will keep for months that way and you never have to buy onions for that time. When you see it is done, plant it outside for future use!
10. Be patient
No one is perfect in the kitchen. Be willing to experiment, make things that don’t taste great, burn things, burn yourself!! See the kitchen as a lab rather then a place to “perfect” a dining experience. Enjoy…do it all with love and peace. Don’t beat yourself up.
We hope you enjoyed learning about 10 Ways to Save Money in the kitchen! Learn more about our functional nutritional counseling by contacting us today.