Grocery Haul and Healthy Meal Plan – $85.52
It’s the second week of the month, so let me show you this week’s grocery haul and healthy meal plan. Last week we did our big bulk buying trips. Check it out HERE.
Last week I was asked to do my grocery shopping at Aldi’s and include a full meal plan with recipes that you can also purchase at Aldi’s. I have to say, not all of my foods came from there because of our monthly bulk buying, and I’m a huge advocate for buying fresh greens that are not chopped, which Aldi’s doesn’t really have.
Pre-chopped greens lose some of their best nutrients after they’ve been cut, so buying them in their whole form and chopping before you eat is best.
Bulk Buying Food Can Save You Money
Best Grocery Stores To Shop At
I shop at many different grocery stores for my budget grocery hauls. Thankfully these grocery stores are all within 10 minutes of my home. Going to a few different stores in a day isn’t a big deal for us at all. These are the stores I frequent:
- Trader Joe’s
- Sprouts
- Albertsons
- Costco
- Walmart Neighborhood Market
- Winco
- Aldi’s
My Budget Grocery Haul
This month we chose a grocery budget of $700. After our bulk buying trips we are down to about $120 per week for groceries. I didn’t need much, but we definitely needed fresh produce.
Aldi’s Shopping Trip – $69.58 Spent
Aldi’s is a great store for certain items, but most people are not fans of their produce because its freshness is not consistent. What’s nice is you can get items there for pretty cheap! If you are on a tight grocery budget, then Aldi’s is a great place to shop.
Aldi’s has stepped up their game and are offering lots of organic items! As you well know, they don’t have a lot of options, like only 2 types of ketchup to choose from. It’s kind of nice to not have a bunch of options!
My favorite stock-up items from Aldi’s are their salsa and marinara sauce! The salsa is very similar to Pace Picante and we enjoy it because it’s pretty kid friendly.
The marinara sauce is AMAZING and oil-free, which is very important to me! Anytime I go to Aldi’s I stock-up on these items.
- Salsa – $1.15 each
- Organic Marinara Sauce – $1.89 each!
The jalapeno kettle chips was the only item we purchased that wasn’t on our list. I forgot my husband was wanting chips to eat with his lunches. They were so cheap though, only $1.89.
Albertsons Shopping Trip – $15.94
Albertsons is actually a more pricey grocery store, but I love their produce section. They have a great selection of local organic greens, and they are a great price! I purchased 2 bunches of lettuce, 3 bunches of kale, and 1 bottle of Primal Kitchen BBQ Sauce for Superbowl. I typically make homemade BBQ sauce, recipe HERE, but this is a great option if you don’t have time too. Just beware, it’s an expensive price of $5.99.
Grocery Haul Total Spent – $85.52
I love coming in under budget, but the one thing I try to do is save $20 back, just in case I forget something during the week. Try this technique and see if it helps you stay in your budget.
This Week’s Healthy Meal Plan On A Budget
Each week we sit down as a family and plan out our meal plan for the week. Having these family meetings keeps us all on the same page and allows everyone the opportunity to influence what we eat.
Breakfasts
Breakfasts are typically the same each week, which keeps our grocery budget low and our mornings consistant. Our main focus at breakfast is eating oats and berries.
- Raw Oatmeal
- Oatmeal Pancakes Vegan
- Store bought cereal and oat milk or soy milk with fresh berries
- Soy yogurt, Simple Granola, and fresh berries
- Cream of Wheat Hot Cereal (Gluten-Free)
- 4-Ingredient Breakfast Bars
Lunches
Lunches are very typical as well week by week, and generally consist of leftovers, sourdough peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and fresh fruit and veggies. The reason why I purchased a loaf of bread in my budget grocery haul was because I like making my kids freezer peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for a quick fix lunch. My kids prefer them on store bought bread, and I really like the convenience of them.
This Week’s Dinner Menu
Monday: Dillas with kale salad – We are hooked on a delicious kale salad with a banana salad dressing. It’s absolutely delicious! The inspiration comes from Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease Cookbook. In a mini food processor, blend together a banana and some apple cider vinegar or flavored balsamic. Massage it into the kale and add fruit. YUM!
Tuesday: Smoky red beans and brown rice with roasted broccoli
Wednesday: Garden salad with vegan ranch dressing, roasted sweet potatoes, and freezer plant-based burger patties. If I feel up to it, I might make sourdough rolls.
Thursday: Loaded fries with easy chili (recipe in The Ultimate Kitchen Guide) with a garden salad.
Friday: Sourdough pizza and salad
Saturday: Leftovers or pancakes
Sunday: Sourdough pot pie calzones (recipe testing)
Want To Learn How To Make Sourdough?
It’s worth it!!! Start with how to make a starter, then make the most beautiful loaves of bread.
NEED HELP WITH YOUR GROCERY BUDGET AND MEAL PLANNING?
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