$93 Groceries for 2 Adults | Our Meals | Grocery Tips
Introduction
As a couple living on a modest budget, my wife and I have always been mindful of our weekly grocery expenses. With a bill that usually ranges from $70 to $100, we’ve learned a few tricks to keep our costs in check without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. In this DIY hack, we’ll share our step-by-step guide on how to stock up for two adults for under $93.
Materials Needed
- A list of meals for the week
- Aldi’s and other ethnic grocery stores’ flyers
- A full stomach before shopping (trust us on this one!)
Step-by-Step Guide
- Plan Your Meals: Start by making a list of meals you want to cook for the week, taking into account what ingredients are already stocked in your fridge from previous weeks.
- Stick to Your List: Make sure to only buy what’s on the list! Avoid impulse buys and unnecessary snacks.
- Shop at Aldi’s and Ethnic Stores: Our primary grocery store is Aldi’s, where we find great deals on staples like meat, produce, and dairy products. We also visit Indian and Asian grocery stores for specialty items.
- Eat Before You Shop: Having a big meal before heading to the store helps us resist sugary and salty snacks, saving us money in the long run.
- Limit Snacks: Our only indulgences are fruit and mixed nuts – we keep it simple!
- Occasional Treats: We indulge in a date night every Friday and enjoy half-priced burgers on Mondays.
Recipes
- Fried Rice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qURmdmgCCOI (use shallot instead of onion, added chillies for heat)
- Gyoza: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z60_v7NhFck
- Cauliflower Stir Fry: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juJExyqr5W4 (air fry instead of deep frying)
- Chicken Lo Mein: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRxDpjNDt3A (use whole grain spaghetti and chicken instead of beef)
- Omelette: Stir-fry chopped onions, tomatoes in a skillet, add spinach, eggs, salt, and pepper.
- Salmon and Potatoes: Air fry potatoes with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Pan-fry salmon with marinade made from chilli powder, turmeric, corriander, lime juice, ginger paste, garlic paste, and black pepper.
Troubleshooting
If you find yourself struggling to stick to your list or resisting impulse buys, remember: it’s all about setting clear goals for yourself. Try to visualize the benefits of saving money in the long run – a more peaceful mind is worth its weight in groceries!
Time-Saver Tip
For an added efficiency boost, prep your meals ahead of time by chopping veggies, marinating meat, or cooking grains. This will save you around 30 minutes each day and give you more quality time to enjoy with loved ones!