It seems like ordering groceries for contactless delivery has become the new normal, and finding creative ways to stretch your weekly groceries has also become a force of habit. During this time of shelter in place, many of us are going to the grocery store less and may still be relying on some canned food items or frozen produce to enjoy throughout the week.
We’ve put together six hacks to help you stretch your weekly groceries, so you not only have to head to the store less, but you’ll make the most of all the food you do have, meaning less food waste (win!)
6 Ways to Stretch Your Weekly Groceries
#1 Meal Plan
Before heading out for your next grocery haul, put together a meal plan that will last you two weeks, and pick foods that are on sale at your local store this week. Not only will this save you some cash, but it will also mean you’ll be stocking up on exactly what you need to get through two weeks of a healthy meal plan.
Need some healthy recipe inspiration? We can help with that! With FitOn PRO, we bring delicious and nourishing recipes straight to your app with personalized meal plans.
#2 Pick Recipes With Similar Ingredients
Another easy way to stretch your weekly groceries is to select recipes for your meal plan that use similar ingredients. Making a chicken salad that uses red onion and lettuce? Why not add a salad to your meal plan using the same ingredients.
This will help cut down on food costs while also helping you use up all of your groceries before needing to head to the store again.
#3 Have Breakfast For Dinner
Seriously! Not only is it super fun to enjoy some healthy pancakes with scrambled eggs for dinner, but it’s an inexpensive and easy way to stretch your weekly groceries without sacrificing health or flavorful meals.
In FitOn PRO, we share yummy pancake recipes that actually fit into a healthy meal plan and pack in a powerful nutritional punch like:
- 3-Step Banana & Cinnamon Pancakes
- Protein Pancakes
#4 Enjoy Leftovers
Leftovers are your friend when it comes to stretching your weekly groceries. Double or triple your recipes when you’re making your weekly recipes and store them in the freezer to reheat. You’ll be able to make the most of your grocery haul and you’ll thank yourself when you have an easy to reheat meal on a busy weeknight.
#5 Make the Most of Pantry Items
Pantry items have become a staple in many people’s weekly recipes lately, and there’s good reason to keep using them to stretch your weekly groceries. Pantry items like brown rice, quinoa, beans, and lentils actually make for some nourishing meals, and you can mix and match to create balanced meals.
Try enjoying beans and rice and pair it with some of those veggies you have stocked in the freezer. Or, try one of the easy and delicious recipes we have in FitOn PRO, featuring many ingredients you may already have stocked.
A couple of our favorite easy to make weeknight meals using pantry staples from FitOn PRO include:
- 10- Minute Lentil Curry
- Mexican Bowl
#6 Use Leftover Ingredients Creatively
Making a salad and have leftover onions and spinach? Why not use the extras to make homemade soup with whatever other veggies and broth you may have on hand. Or, if you’re making an entire chicken, keep those bones! Make a homemade, gut supporting bone broth that you can use as the base for homemade soups and stews.
Making the most of every single ingredient you have with help stretch those grocery dollars a bit further.
Make That Grocery Haul Last
Since we’re all going shopping less and trying to find ways to save some cash, try using these simple tips to stretch your weekly groceries, all while cutting back on food waste.
Hey, you may surprise yourself when you realize that you haven’t gone shopping in nearly two weeks and still have nourishing food to eat!
