Our lives are busier than ever and fast food and convenience foods have become commonplace – and it is completely understandable. But what if I told you that taking a step back and embracing the art of cooking from scratch could actually save you time and a lot of money?
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Not only is cooking from scratch healthier and more satisfying, but it can also be significantly more economical in the long run. I’ll show you how cooking from scratch can save you money – and some of your sanity!
Meal Planning
It’s not required, but meal planning is a great way to save time and money at the grocery store. Meal planning will help to reduce impulse buys (especially if you shop while hungry) and it will cut back on food waste because you only buy what you need.
If you have any meat or vegetables left over at the end of the week, make a stir fry which is a good example of a homemade meal that takes just minutes to prepare. If you’re wondering how to make a stir fry sauce, just know it takes only a few minutes to throw together!
If you have a busy week ahead, stick to fast and easy recipes with simple ingredients.
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When you cook from scratch, you’re buying ingredients in their raw form, which is generally much cheaper than buying pre-packaged or pre-cooked foods. By doing the prep work yourself, you can stretch your dollars further and get more meals out of the same ingredients. When you break down the cost per serving, it is generally much less than what you would pay for take-out.
If you have a particularly busy week with little time, consider meal kits. They are expensive but depending on how much you spend on take out, it could still save you money when used as needed. I wouldn’t recommend it as a regular option but it does give you a good idea of how meal planning can fit into your routine.
Less Food Waste
When you buy pre-packaged or pre-cooked foods, you often end up buying more than you need leading to food waste. When you cook from scratch, you can buy only what you need, reducing waste and saving money.
If you do end up having leftover food at the end of the week, consider healthy meals that can be cooked in a slow cooker like soup or stews. The benefit is that you can use up any fresh produce or meats before they go bad, and then freeze any leftovers.
If you have leftover ingredients, consider making larger portion sizes and freezing the extra for future use. Frozen meals are amazing when you have a busy schedule.
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Buying In Bulk
Cooking your own meals allows you to take advantage of bulk buying options, which are usually more cost-effective. You can buy staples like grains, beans, and spices in bulk and use them in multiple recipes, saving you so much money. I like to shop at Costco or online atAzure Marketfor the best deals.
Buying in bulk is especially cost-effective if you have a large family and go through food quickly. Non-perishable items like refried beans, avocado or olive oil, boxed chicken stock, peanut butter, or food that can be frozen will give you the best bang for your buck.
Your grocery bill we be larger upfront, but it should keep you from having to go grocery shopping for a week or more.
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Healthier Choices
Cooking from scratch allows you to control what goes into your food, which means you can make healthier choices and avoid costly processed foods. When you know what you are going to be eating, you can take 10 minutes to prepare homemade food for the week.
For example, it only takes 5 minutes to make a vinegar and oil homemade salad dressing. That will last all week. Or shred a few rotisserie chickens to add to meals during the week. Add another 10 minutes to wash and chop fresh fruits.
Having premade options on hand will make it easier to throw dishes together when you don’t have much time. As a benefit, it will be much healthier than stopping at coffee shops for breakfast and lunch or grabbing dinner on the way home!
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Lower Your Food Budget
The biggest benefit of cooking from scratch is that you can lower your food budget. Basic ingredients are so much cheaper than buying premade meals. Even if you don’t have time to make your own bread, any small change that you make will save you money.
Cooking from scratch is not only a healthier and more satisfying way to eat, but it can also be a great way to save money. By taking the time to prepare your meals from scratch, you can stretch your dollars further, reduce food waste, and make healthier choices. So why not give it a try?
Share your favorite money saving tips in the comments below!
Here are some popular dinner recipes you can try:
Just start with one or two during the first week to get the hang of planning and cooking:
- Pumpkin Sloppy Joes With Garlic Buns
- Chicken and Green Beans
- Easy Homemade Beefaroni
- Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
- Oven Baked Ribs – Grill Finished (If you have a few hours)
