Week 4 of the Grocery Budget Adventure

Week 4! I did it! I made it four weeks on a grocery budget and oh my have I been impressed.

Let's begin with this week.

Dinner menu:

• Tacos, mexican corn, refried beans
• breakfast for dinner (sausage, eggs, biscuits, pancakes)
• steak, edamame, scalloped potatoes
• pot roast, salad, dinner rolls
• shrimp, rice, salad
• leftover stew

Grocery bill today- $55! This big ticket item this week was the pot roast at a whopping $13. However, we plan on having company over for dinner so it feeds four and probably some left overs for lunch later in the week. 

The total amount I spent for the four weeks, including meat, is $295. That is $25 under budget! I am very proud of this considering I was spending between $400 and $500 for one month of groceries in August. This meal planning for the month has truly helped. 

For one, I know in advance what I am cooking, so I can buy things in bulk for cheaper (onions, potatoes, etc) knowing that it will not go to waste and getting a better price for it.

Second, menu planning for the month took time, but a whole lot less time than it does to plan for the week. Knowing what is on the menu helps because I already have it planned. Sure, I look through circulars to plan side items or maybe change something up if I see a truly good deal, but for the most part I stick to my plan. This helps avoid the stress of menu planning and finding recipes and deciding what to eat and the worst... buyers remorse. I know what I am eating and have already made the decision- no need to regret it later.

Third, sticking to the budget helps me feel good about myself. I see myself practicing self control, and it  makes me feel good. 

Fourth, I do not feel bad about leftovers anymore. In fact, sometimes I over cook so I can freeze half and save it for later. Anyone who cooks for two (or one) knows how many recipes are great, but made for families of four or more. Planning for the month gave me a set time to eat those meals again, an extra portion for lunch one day, and the knowledge that the food would not go to waste. 

Finally, I feel good knowing my family is getting home cooked meals where I know for the most part where the food is coming from. I feel good knowing that we are eating good food, we are not spending a ton of money on food, and we are happy with what we have. 

Celebrations!!!

My husband and I had guests over for dinner twice this month.

I stayed on a budget, practiced self control, and ate good food.

My kitchen got used, my husband's belly was full.

I have an extra $25 to spend on myself this month.

Grocery shopping has taken WAY less time.

I have not had to fill my car up with gas as often.

Menu planning has taken less time away from my family.