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Living on your own allows you to figure out what you can splurge on and what you cannot. Food is one of the things that you cannot cut corners on. Simply put: you need to eat.
Principal rule: buy a little at a time. Do not go into a grocery store and spend your $100 budget on one shopping trip and think you’re done for the month. Spending $20-$30 a week is a more practical goal.
Image from Khymos |
What to buy
Produce
Bananas – about 3-4 per week
Dairy/Meats/Fish
Hummus – $3 or less
Frozen
Extras – what I find yummy and fits into my budget; i.e. pizza, ice cream, French fries, microwave meals, etc.
Condiments
Lemon Juice (as needed)
Canned/Boxed/Bagged Goods
Ezekiel Bread – keep this in the freezer so it doesn’t go bad. Defrost as needed. I typically buy a loaf every other week, but purchase as needed.
Image from Jet |
Where to shop
I have a method of where to shop to get what I need for the best price.
Sprouts
Eggs.
There’s not too much of a price difference here, but they do have more organic cage-free varieties.
Canned Beans
The Sprouts’ brand is yummy and inexpensive. Stock up if they’re under $1.
Trader Joe’s
Smith’s/Albertsons