How to Plan a Food Budget

Set a weekly spending limit. Determine the amount of money you have in your household budget to spend on food. Create a budget and examine your total income and your total expenses. Figure on spending approximately 10 percent of your disposable income on food purchases, so factor that expense into your budget. According to recent data presented by the Department of Agriculture, 10 percent represents the typical amount consumer’s budget for food. Adjust the amount as necessary to stay within your budget.

Create a menu by planning meals in advance. Plan at a minimum for one week; plan an entire month if you can. Use a calendar and plan out breakfast, lunch and dinner. Get creative and designate specific days for leftovers. Calculate the cost of each meal by using previous sales receipts and sales advertisements for guidance on pricing for each item. Place the average cost for each meal on the calendar. Tally the estimated meal costs and see how close you are to your designated food budget. Adjust if necessary and keep track of any meal cost changes.

Calculate the cost of takeout food and special meals, such as date night dinners. Determine the amount you spend on a weekly basis by examining your current spending habits. Include this in your food budget and set the necessary amount to the side before heading to the grocery store. You may find that your budget doesn't allow for your ordinary expenditures in this category. Make cuts where necessary to stay on track financially.

Aim to spend less than the budgeted amount each week. Switch out menu ideas for cheaper options when necessary or to capitalize on a sale. Compare costs between name brands and store brands and consider opting for the most economical option. Pay attention to sale advertisements. Identify those products that you use on a regular basis, such as health and beauty products, and try to purchase them when on they go on sale. Take advantage of coupons. Use coupons for items you would normally purchase. Check to see if your local grocery store offers double coupons or even triple coupons and enjoy the extra savings.

Put any savings you earn through cost-cutting measures to the side. Use the savings on a special event or extravagant meal as a reward for your dedication to sticking to your food budget.

Most Important is that when you are well planned you will be able to accommodate most of the nutritious foods in your kitchen & eventually in meals.

we Indian have habit of buying groceries in bulk so things which are perishable bought weekly or daily & items which are dry bought monthly.

Make a Note of Buying 3 leafy vegetables/fresh vegetables & 2 fruits daily basis. Cakes, Pastries, cookies etc bakery items should be bought once a week or fortnight.

Try to have all types of dals /legumes in your list of foods, have whole grains like oats & ragi. Less of oils & fats can do immediate health benefits. Don't forget to add functional foods like herbs & spices.

So The Better You Plan The Better Your Health Can Be ! Swasthlife

For further details on how to make Monthly or weekly menu & food budgeting contact us - care@swasthlife.com

By : Sejal Shah ( Nutrition Expert )

www.swasthlife.com

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