And check out these recipes for more inspiration. (2024)

    Because there are ways to treat both yourself and your bank account well.

    by Marie TellingBuzzFeed Staff

    1. Make a grocery list and actually stick to it.

    And check out these recipes for more inspiration. (2)

    nicolecadkin / instagram.com

    This one isn't new, but there is a reason why it's the go-to method for countless households. Going to the supermarket without an idea of what you want to buy will inevitably lead to waste and unnecessary expenses. Plan your week, make a list, stick to it.

    Find printable grocery lists here.

    2. Stop throwing away food scraps you could use.

    And check out these recipes for more inspiration. (3)

    Tukka Koski / bonappetit.com

    You can use Parmesan rind for a flavorful broth or make a delicious salad using broccoli stalks. Sometimes being more creative in your cooking and willing to try new things also means being less wasteful, and saving money.

    Learn everything you could do with foods you're throwing away here and get the recipe for the parm broth here.

    3. Check out coupon apps.

    And check out these recipes for more inspiration. (4)

    Ibotta

    Check out Ibotta and Checkout 51, two free coupon apps that can help you save a few bucks. And for more coupon tips, check out the Krazy Coupon Lady.

    4. Buy grains, cereal, rice, beans, nuts, and seeds in bulk.

    mariahleethor / instagram.com

    This way, you can buy the exact quantity you want and you don't have to pay for a brand or a fancy package. (Bonus point: If you're bringing your own containers, you're one step closer to a zero-waste lifestyle.)

    5. Buy seasonal produce.

    jfalchetti / instagram.com, Zoe Burnett / BuzzFeed

    Seasonal produce is cheaper, healthier, and tastier, so don't go buying blueberries in January when citrus is in season.

    Check out what recipes are in season this month here.

    6. It's not for everyone, but meal planning is a great way to predict and control your food expenses for the week.

    And check out these recipes for more inspiration. (6)

    little_amy_94/ instagram.com

    Sure, it's less spontaneous than deciding where and what to eat at the last minute, but this way you won't end up spending a ton of money on delivery and takeout. So plan ahead, make sure you use the same ingredients several times during the week so they don't go to waste, and stick to your menu.

    Here's a seven-day meal plan that's doable and won't cost you more than $3.50 per meal.

    7. Buy things on sale and freeze them for later.

    And check out these recipes for more inspiration. (7)

    http://graham.h.adams / instagram.com

    Watch out for the sales at your local store. For instance, if they're having a sale on meat, fill your freezer now so you don't have to buy any meat in the next couple of months.

    And here are some recipes you can make once and freeze all winter.

    8. Buy whole chickens instead of the expensive packaged cuts.

    And check out these recipes for more inspiration. (8)

    Lisaamc / Getty Images

    Two organic chicken breasts at my local NY store cost at least $9. A whole organic chicken is around $15 and makes for much more meat and more dinner options throughout the week.

    When you buy a whole chicken, you can go about it two ways: Either debone the raw chicken, place the different cuts in ziplock bags, place what you'll eat within a few days in the fridge, and freeze the rest for later. Or, you can roast a whole chicken and use different cuts throughout the next 3–4 days.

    9. Or buy a rotisserie chicken and use the cuts in different recipes.

    And check out these recipes for more inspiration. (9)

    Peter De Kievith / Getty Images

    Rotisserie chickens are sometimes cheaper than raw ones and also very low-effort.

    Find a whole week's worth of recipes using rotisserie chicken here.

    10. Cook large batches of one recipe and eat it over several days.

    And check out these recipes for more inspiration. (10)

    Matt6t6 / Getty Images

    If you have a slow cooker, it'll become your best friend — otherwise a big pot will do. Make a big batch of stew or soup on Sunday and eat the leftovers within the next three or four days (or freeze what you won't eat). If you're dreading the monotony of eating the same thing over and over again, try to get creative with the leftovers: Use your leftover chili to make a sloppy joe, vary the toppings on your cauliflower soup, or switch up what sides you serve your pulled pork with.

    Find some freezer-friendly recipes here.

    11. Eat less meat.

    minimalistbaker.com

    Meat is often the most expensive part of a recipe and something you can easily cut back on while still having a very balanced diet. Try eating more eggs instead and check out these protein-packed recipes with no meat.

    Get the recipe for vegan stuffed peppers here.

    12. If you can, grow your own herbs.

    And check out these recipes for more inspiration. (11)

    laceyelliott_mua / instagram.com

    Not everyone has the space, patience, and access to sunlight needed to grow their own herbs. But considering how pricey herbs can be, if you can grow them then it's really worth the investment. And some herbs, like chives, mint, or basil, are very easy to grow.

    Learn more about growing your own herbs here.

    13. Track your food expenses in a journal.

    And check out these recipes for more inspiration. (12)

    rebeccasroots / instagram.com

    A journal, a notebook, or an excel sheet... It doesn't matter — as long as you start tracking what you spend to see what you should cut back on. You might realize that you spend over $100 a month on Starbucks coffee and start making your own instead.

    14. Buy your spices at a spice store.

    And check out these recipes for more inspiration. (13)

    iamlaine / instagram.com

    Spices cost A LOT, but they're also the best way to turn even the most boring dish into an explosion of flavor. If there's a spice store near you, check it out and buy spices there. They're usually cheaper than in a grocery store and come in larger quantities. (You can also buy spices online in specialized stores or on Amazon).

    15. Skip organic produce if it's on the Clean Fifteen list.

    And check out these recipes for more inspiration. (14)

    outofthisworldnottingham / instagram.com

    If you're going to buy organic, start with produce that's on the Dirty Dozen list. For stuff like avocados and cabbage — both part of the Clean Fifteen — you can save money by going conventional.

    16. Don't buy pre-cut veggies and fruits.

    17. And check out these recipes for more inspiration.

    And check out these recipes for more inspiration. (16)

    Amy Sefton / buzzfeed.com

    Let us know what's your go-to way to save money when it comes to food in the comments!

    And check out these recipes for more inspiration. (2024)

    FAQs

    What is food inspiration? ›

    Food Inspiration Magazine is the online magazine for foodservice professionals in search of inspiration and innovation.

    How do I get inspired to cook? ›

    If you need cooking motivation, here are five tips to inspire your desire to cook.
    1. Try Something New. If preparing food is a new experience for you, there are no limits to what you can learn to cook. ...
    2. Think About Your Health. ...
    3. Be Realistic. ...
    4. Cook for Others. ...
    5. Try One New Thing.

    Why is trying new recipes important? ›

    In addition to expanding your palate, trying out new types of food can also have a positive impact on your diet and overall nutrition. By introducing new ingredients and dishes into your routine, you can add variety to your meals and potentially increase your intake of nutrients.

    What are the reasons for adapting and changing recipes? ›

    The most common reason to adjust recipes is to change the number of individual portions that the recipe produces. For example, a standard recipe might be written to prepare 25 portions. If a situation arises where 60 portions of the item are needed, the recipe must be properly adjusted.

    How do chefs find inspiration for new dishes? ›

    Where chefs find their food inspiration
    1. Write EVERYTHING down. Ideas come when they do, often unexpectedly. ...
    2. Take advantage of the inexhaustible resources in books and online. The world of information is pretty much limitless. ...
    3. Think about balancing flavours and textures. ...
    4. Focus on a specific ingredient or technique.
    Jan 19, 2024

    What is an inspirational quote about food? ›

    25 Famous Food Quotes to Fuel Your Fire
    • "One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well." - ...
    • "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food." - ...
    • "People who love to eat are always the best people." - ...
    • "The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it." -

    How does cooking inspire people? ›

    Often, cooking provides an opportunity for self-expression, personal growth, exploration, and increased self-esteem. Creative projects in the kitchen can help promote behavioral activation and goal-oriented behavior, which can help people curb procrastination and other mental blocks.

    Why do I have no motivation to cook? ›

    Do you always end up cooking the same old meals, rely on takeaways or skip meals? It's very normal for motivation to ebb and flow, especially in the kitchen. Fatigue, tiredness, boredom and lack of time can all influence our motivation levels.

    Why are recipes important to people? ›

    Recipes provide consistency in the production of menu items. Recipes provide food cost control. Recipes provide knowledge for front of the house staff as a sales tool and to help consumers with dietary concerns and allergies.

    How often should you try new recipes? ›

    Don't make five days of new recipes and buy 65 different ingredients you may only use once per recipe.” Instead, she says, try one or two recipes a week, or choose a handful of recipes that have similar ingredients so you can buy once and cook all week.

    Why is it good to learn new recipes? ›

    By cooking a new recipe, you'll be able to experiment with different flavor combinations and see which ones work well together. This is a great way to add more depth and complexity to your meals. In addition, it's a great way to learn about different flavors and how they interact with each other.

    Why is it important to know how to converting and adjusting the recipe? ›

    The most common reasons are:
    • Changing Portion Sizes: Adjusting the number of individual portions a recipe produces.
    • Better Utilization of Equipment: Adapting recipes to fit the available preparation equipment.

    What are three reasons why recipes are modified? ›

    Recipes can be altered to reduce or eliminate fat, salt, and unwanted calories in the form of sugar; alternatively, ingredients can be added to increase fiber, thereby making recipes healthier. When modifying a recipe, it is best to make one modification at a time.

    What are the reasons for adjusting recipes? ›

    Some reasons for changing recipe ingredients include:
    1. Unavailable ingredients.
    2. Cost of ingredients.
    3. Decreasing/increasing nutritional value.
    4. Creativity.

    How does food inspire people? ›

    Whether it's trying new foods or cooking together, food brings people closer through shared experiences. Conversation starter: Food is often a great conversation starter, especially when there are new or interesting dishes to try. It gives people something to talk about and can help break the ice.

    Where can I find food inspiration? ›

    Fortunately, there are many ways you can discover new recipes. This process can involve subscribing to a food magazine, following another food blogger, or eating at restaurants. With these methods, you'll easily find cooking ideas for your followers.

    What is an example of a food influence? ›

    Some examples of these influences that contribute to an individual's food choices include individual factors, such as knowledge, personal taste preference, mood, hunger level, health status, special diet requirements, ethnicity, and personal income.

    What food motivates you? ›

    9 Foods That Can Increase Your Motivation & Happiness
    • Examples: salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines.
    • Examples: almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, cashews, pistachios.
    • Examples: berries, spinach, kale, orange, lemon, apple, kiwi, broccoli, sweet potato.

    References

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