Grocery Consumer Mindshift: Can we sustain it?
Not surprisingly, according to recent food product and consumer studies by Information Resources Inc., this economy has brought on a significant grocery consumer mindshift. Those who were eating out more often, have shifted to more grocery shopping, and more meals at home. And those who were already cooking at home, have become more value concious.
But I’m worried… My concern is with the first group. Can they sustain it?
I liken it to a crash diet. How many people who are used to eating whatever they want, can sustain a super strict diet, compared to a more sensible eating plan? Not many. So by the same token, if those who are used to the convenience of having their meals made by someone else and no dishes, how long will they last? Not too long, I don’t think.
I have a plan to make this mindshift stick. And to some degree, it applies to anyone with a busy lifestyle who wants to cut food costs.
1. Buy convenient frozen meals - I’m not saying to eat TV dinners every night. And on that note, get out of the dark ages, if you cringe at the thought of something like a frozen lasagne. There are gourmet offerings in your supermarket’s freezer! So when a nice frozen lasagne or Alfredo Chicken is on sale, it will be half the regular price, and feeds a family of four for about $1.50 each. Add a coupon to make it even cheaper. Throw together a salad, and voila! Dinner is served! Alot of family size entrees include vegetables. So skip the salad and do nothing! On a busy day, or when you’re just plain tired, this dinner will cost one fourth of what it would cost to eat out.
2. One Dish Wonders - That’s a chapter title in my book, “Shop Smart Save More”. While the book is a great education on how to shop smart and save more on food, this chapter is all about making a one dish dinner that usually includes protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates. The “wonder-ful” part of a one dish meal is that it’s less pots and pans to wash. Besides, they’re some of my family’s favorite dinners! Yummy and easy. Think casseroles and crockpots, and you’ve got an easy winner! http://www.thegrocerygame.com/con_Shop_Smart_Save_More_Book.cfm
3. Buy a deep freezer - Use your grocery savings to re-invest in a deep freezer. I can’t say enough about how this makes you save more money. It’s a key foundation for playing The Grocery Game. In fact, most members save more than enough during their free four week trial to buy a deep freezer. Do it!
4. Learn to ”2x2” - It’s almost as easy to make two meals as it is to make one, since you have all the ingredients out already. So for two of your meals per week, make two. One for tonight, and one for the freezer. If I make a pot of chili, I make a double batch, and freeze one. Or a homemade chicken pot pie, same thing. This is a freebie on time savings! And it’s like you’re amassing a treasure of non-cooking nights in your freezer.
5. Eat out! - Yes, I did say that. Play The Grocery Game and save a ton of time, and hundreds of dollars a month. Then use your savings to treat yourself and your family to a night out once in a while! Or, just go out with your hubby, and leave the kids home with “babysitter food”, which is all that easy frozen stuff you invested in on sale with a coupon. And the kids love it!
In finality, if you’ve made a commitment to eat home more, just know this…
This new mindshift is totally do-able. It’s wonderful for you, fantastic for your family time, and awesome for your bank account!
Visit www.TheGroceryGame.com to shop like I do every week! And get a free four week trial!
