5 Healthy, Cost-Saving Kitchen Tips

In the hectic culture that we live in, let’s face it; most of the time it is easier to go through a drive through for something quick, cheap and filling for the whole family rather than cook a meal from scratch. The price you pay for this may be more than you realize, and not just as it relates to your longterm health; we’ve discussed before how those prices add up, and it can be ultimately cheaper (no to mention more nutritious) to buy groceries than it is to constantly eat out. Buying groceries simply constitutes a higher, but ultimately worthwhile, upfront investment. Regardless, stretching your money as far as it will go is something we all want to do.

On the Kaufmann 1 and Kaufmann 2 diets,

you will likely be cooking for you and your family more than you would otherwise. Most people want to maximize the dollar they spend at the grocery store. Here are a few tips for maintaining a healthy kitchen while stretching your dollar as far it will go.

1. Freeze Fresh Produce and Meat to Avoid Spoilage
Food spoilage accounts for the vast majority of wasted food dollars. Often times, people buy produce with the best intentions, hoping to take advantage of all the inherent nutrition, only to have it go bad before they can enjoy it. Freezing produce and meat is a great way to preserve the nutritional value while not feeling rushed to eat food before it goes bad.

2. Try Healthier Alternatives to Multiple, Toxic Cleaners
Many of the cleaners found under the sink contain ingredients toxic enough to kill you if you were unlucky enough to ingest them. Knowing this, cleaning the surfaces you cook on and the tableware you eat with and off of with such toxic chemicals does not sound like the best idea, in regards to health. These cleaners also constitute a monetary investment. Why not try replacing them with cheaper, safer alternatives, such as dilute citrus cleaners, apple cider vinegar or grapefruit seed extract? Always be safe and protect yourself against bacteria, fungi and viruses in the kitchen, but that doesn’t always necessitate a whole spectrum of expensive, toxic cleaners.

3. Take Advantage of Leftovers
Leftover food, stored away in the fridge can be your best friend on the Kaufmann 1 Diet. It makes for a great snack when you’re feeling peckish, is a great way to stretch your dollar and is huge time saver. Win, Win, Win.

4. Buy in Bulk
Buying in bulk saves time spent at the grocery store, and food is usually cheaper when bought in bulk. See number 1––freeze any food you don’t consume immediately.

5. Invest in a Good Fruit and Vegetable Rinse
Buying organic is expensive. Depending on your budget and where you live, it may not always be available. That’s ok. Investing in a good fruit and vegetable rinse is a good idea for cleaning off pesticides, and could in the long run save you some money.