Don’t you wish you could save big bucks each month without devising an elaborate plan? While creating a budget with your financial advisor is a smart idea, I have a strategy that can not only get you amazing results with little planning, but also support your wellness goals: Prepare home-cooked meals and shop for healthy snacks.
I’ve put this idea to the test several times over the years as a short-term experiment and witnessed impressive results. But COVID-19 inspired me to think more seriously about how much I could actually save over an extended period of time by not eating out.
How often have you been ordering takeout and purchasing not-so-healthy snacks over the last few months? Perhaps you haven’t paid close attention to your credit card statement, but I have been laser-focused on mine.
I use a credit card when I eat out and shop for groceries because I like to accumulate those wonderful reward points and calculate my food expenses. I compared my November 2019 through February 2020 statements with my March and April 2020 statements and was astonished! I had saved an average of $600 a month between March and April by not ordering carryout and not grabbing quick comfort foods at the local grocer.
I love to cook and prepare most of my meals from scratch. But I really overindulged between November and February. At the time, I justified my extravagant behavior by telling myself I was super busy preparing for my January empowerment program launch and that I deserved to treat myself. I was obviously off my usual health track. No wonder the loose spaces in my sweat pants were beginning to expand.
Restaurant costs can add up quickly. I have dietary restrictions and choose establishments that offer organic, gluten-free and vegan choices. These places tend to be a little more expensive. One slice of butternut squash pie topped with a mound of whipped coconut cream sets me back nine bucks. And there’s an upcharge for gluten-free pizza with vegan cheese. A breakfast or dinner at one of my favorite diners could run $15-20. And running to Whole Foods to purchase prepared snacks and goodies was costly. This wallet-whittling cycle resulted in a whopping $150 in one week. Just think what the cost would be for larger households. And if you’re treating others to lunch, which I love to do, you’ll see a substantial increase in your spending. When you’re using the credit card, you don’t realize what’s going on until you analyze your statement.
Now I’m not saying you should never eat out. I like to support my favorite restaurants, as many of you do. But if you want to save on food and invest in your health, think about preparing your own meals most of the time and decide to order out once a week. You’ll still delight over the extra cash in your stash.
Test this for yourself. Check your bank and credit card statements for food expenses. Here’s the bottom line: If you purchase your own groceries and prepare your own food versus eating out or taking out, you’ll save a bundle. And a gratifying extra benefit is you’ll be supporting a healthier lifestyle—less salt, less sugar, less fat, less processed food—and a more radiant you!
Be mindful of what you’re putting in your grocery cart. Replace the costly cases of soda for fresh lemon and basil, and make a quick, fragrant hydrating infusion. Release the multiple family-size bags of chips and dip with veggie sticks instead. Save on whole cakes, pies and other sugary treats by making your own scrumptious desserts for a fraction of the cost. You’ll be rolling in dough.
Subscribe to my mailing list to get the latest nutritious recipes. You don’t need an elaborate plan. Cook at home often and select wholesome products. Your new savings strategy is a lifestyle investment that allows you to get ahead with more bread.
Consider This What will you do with the money you save? Let’s say you’re saving $250 a week on food. That’s $1,000 a month or $12,000 a year. Whoa! You can invest in your business, earn an advanced certificate, travel, donate to your favorite philanthropic organizations, pay off credit cards, contribute to your grandchild’s college fund, and more. You’ve just earned a better rate by investing in what’s on your plate.
Four Steps to Nourish, Transform and Flourish
• Set a loving intention to prepare wholesome meals at home, most of the time.
• Begin by filling your grocery cart with healthy selections and eating out less often.
• How will reducing the number of carryouts and preparing your food at home help you to save money and improve your health?
• Close your eyes and visualize how this lifestyle change can prepare you for your amazing second half.
Need help investing in your plate?
It can be challenging to maintain momentum on your own. My Sprout Your New Life™ course will give you the tools and the strong spiritual foundation to make lasting change in your life. Click here for more.
In love, peace and health--
Your feminine glow guide,
T. Kari Mitchell, M.Ed.
Motivational Speaker
Certified Holistic Health Coach
Lifestyle120.com
When your spirit is nourished, your inner light produces an outer glow reflecting your beauty and truth.