Copyright Steve Gillman. Learn more Ways To Save Money, and get the free Unusual Ways (To Make And Save Money) Newsletter and more, at: http://www.UnusualWaysToMakeMoney.com
The average article on how to save money on food might mention coupon shopping and stocking up during sales. This article, however, is about some of the lesser known tricks for spending less. Here are three to try.
Eat Less
Okay, I am not suggesting that you actually go hungry as a way to save money on food. But the things that the average person eats vary tremendously in price, so why not eat less of those things that cost the most and maybe aren't so healthy? You don't have to eat less over-all to save money if you eat fewer expensive dishes. This is true at home or when you go out to eat.
In fact, this tip could just as well have been titled "Eat More," because one of the easiest ways to cut your consumption of expensive foods is to eat more of the foods that are cheap. In other words, if you get in the habit of filling up on a delicious and healthy cheap dish like seasoned rice and beans, you might not even have room for that expensive and unhealthy desert. In a Mexican restaurant you could fill up on the free chips and salsa and then just order a delicious appetizer in place of a regular meal.
Be a Gastronomic Opportunist
There is a way to eat all the same things you currently do throughout the year and even add more variety, while spending less money. How? By learning to enjoy whatever is on sale at the moment instead of insisting on always catering to the fleeting demands of your taste buds.
For example, you might enjoy oranges, strawberries, and apples. Perhaps you normally buy whichever sounds good at the moment you are in the grocery store. But these each go on sale when they are in season, sometimes for as much as 70% less than off-season prices. So if you were to eat oranges when they are cheap, then buy strawberries when they go on sale, and do the same with apples, you would still get all the variety you normally do, right?
But you would pay an average of maybe 50% less for your fruit. In fact, add kiwi fruit or other fruits and vegetables as they become plentiful and so drop in price, and you get even more variety. What's more is that by doing it this way you get the best products, because these foods most often go on sale when they are at the peak of the season and fully ripe.
You can apply this strategy in restaurants as well. Just always look at the specials which are offered. You'll always get variety in this way, and save money on the food you eat as well. You don't have to see this as denying your desires, since you'll get to eat everything you like and also get more variety than ever. Just see each meal or grocery purchase as a surprise gift.
Eat Before Shopping
This is perhaps one of the most important tips on how to save money on food. My personal "research" into this shows that we buy as much as 30% more at the grocery store if we are hungry while shopping. Furthermore, it seems clear that if we have more food in the house we eat more - this is especially true of the snacks we load up on when hungry. That makes this a tip for healthier eating as well as a way to save money. Eat before you go. It also helps to have a list and stick to it, except when you find great sales to take advantage of.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A




Dog Health Food
By: Mark Syme | 05/12/2009Make sure that your Yorkshire Terrier isn't being harmed by the additives in their food
The Allure Of G.I. Joe Toys At Christmas
By: Andrew Hawnt | 05/12/2009A look at some of the most wanted G.I. Joe toys for Christmas, and the appeal of this famous brand.
Buying Bar Stools: Wood or Metal?
By: Stacey Zimmerman | 05/12/2009As you have noticed, bar stools are slowly dominating different types of households, from the traditional to the modern type. There seems to be no stopping to this new household trend.
Herbs Gardens: Why They Are So Popular Today
By: Pat Mctigue | 05/12/2009No matter what your reasons for wanting one, herbs gardens are a great addition to any home and any diet. They can uplift your spirit and slim down your waste and give you a great hobby too.
Miami Beach - Greatest Place For Trip
By: John Abraham | 05/12/2009Home buying is a most remarkable investment in the lifetime. Hire a realtor who can assist you in the procedure of home buying. This will make you free to take decisions on buying a beloved home
Where Do You View Death Records On The Internet To Find A Persons Death Certificate
By: James Nash | 05/12/2009If you ever wanted to check for someone’s death records you surely know how much time does it take to find them. Well, not anymore. All the records and certificates related to someone’s death are now available to public and accessible at any time.
Don't Run Screaming Away! Getting Rid of Mice Is Easier than You Might Think!
By: Steven Magill | 05/12/2009Information on what you can do to rid your home of house mice. Getting rid of house mice might be easier than you think!
Where Do You Locate Marriage Records In Utah To Check Peoples Past
By: James Nash | 05/12/2009Finding marriage records is not hard as people think it is. Finding of these records can take for few days if you search it by yourself, but now you can drastically speed that process up if you search for marriage records online.
Creative Thinking Using Meditation
By: Steve Gillman | 21/11/2009 | Self HelpHow to use meditation to help you have a more creative thinking process.
Affordable Housing Solutions
By: Steve Gillman | 20/11/2009 | Personal FinanceA look at several different ways to find affordable housing
Where Are Real Estate Values Going Now?
By: Steve Gillman | 16/11/2009 | Real EstateA look at the factors that affect real estate values, and what we might see in the future.
How To Sell Ebooks
By: Steve Gillman | 12/11/2009 | Personal FinanceA look at how to sell ebooks, based on the author's experience.
Economic Depression Survival Tips
By: Steve Gillman | 29/10/2009 | Personal FinanceA few good economic depression survival tips for those who want to be prepared.
More Funny Ways To Save Money
By: Steve Gillman | 27/10/2009 | HumorA look at some of the funny ways to save money that people have suggested.
Three Ways Of Thinking Outside The Box
By: Steve Gillman | 24/10/2009 | PsychologyA look at three ways of thinking outside the box for more creative solutions.
Wealth Creation Means What?
By: Steve Gillman | 17/10/2009 | Personal FinanceA look at wealth creation and the difference between that and making money.