Summer is the season for enjoyment, leisure time, and relaxation, but with the ever-increasing digits at the fuel pump and consumer prices soaring by 1.1 percent, summer has taken a toll on our savings. While improving gas prices might be a difficult task for an individual, eating well and saving money isn’t. Besides, we have enough to worry about, why should we make eating a concern? A little creativity and an extra ten minutes may be all it takes to save more and eat more.
First of all, summer can afford to offer you an expansive variety of warm-weather crops. Local, in-season fruits and veggies not only beat the price of ‘convenient’ packaged goods, but also benefit the body, and reduce heat on those hot afternoons. Rather than spending a five-dollar bill on a box of cereal, try a homemade smoothie. A dollop of yogurt plus a peeled banana and a cup of in-season fruit makes for a quick and easy meal. Did I mention a perfect portion of daily protein to keep you moving throughout the day? Fill your fridge with frozen fruit and forget the box of empty carbs in the cabinet.
When lunch hits, why not pull out that ready-made gazpacho rather pulling out cash for an eight-dollar container of droopy lettuce leaves and runny tomatoes. For less than half the cost you can have a refreshing treat that invigorates your taste buds while adding scores of nutrients to your diet. It takes just 30 minutes to have a seriously delectable meal. Make a batch to last you up to five days. You’ll save money and reduce plastic waste while doing it.
The best treat to try while the sun is scorching has got to be those homestyle popsicles. How about cutting up portions of watermelon and embellishing the slices with mini studded choco chips. Also, you can save some cash by buying whole watermelon rather than packaged slices. This cool treat will deliver stunning results that you and you kids will enjoy, not to mention, your wallet. Take a look at the list of popsicle molds. There is endless possibility for creativity. Use recycled plastic containers to benefit yourself and the environment.
Got a party planned? No problem! Drop the packaged tubs of greasy spinach dip and make your own plant-based dip for less. Relish up crackers and chips with a Middle Eastern chickpea treat. Hummus is an easy party starter with a great work to price ratio. Seven minutes and two dollars leaves you with a simple treat everyone can enjoy. Get a little more creative and try baba ghanouj, a sister small dish served with pita bread as an appetizer. With a little more roasting time and some extra preparation, a fabulous starter can be done in close to an hour, and for only a few bucks. This dish will certainly bring smiles to the table and leave your friends asking for the recipe.
Still unparalleled, the best way to save money on food is too grow your own. While most of us do not have the time, space, or energy to put together a garden, a few easy options could reduce grocery market costs. Potted herbs are great way to brighten an empty window or liven up an ordinary back porch. A little dirt, sun, and water, and there you have it, just a mother nature intended! Hardy herbs like rosemary will last into the winter while thyme and oregano grow well into fall. Use fresh or try drying and grinding herbs for easy kitchen access. Two other easy herbs are mint and basil. Although they are tender plants, growing more during warmer seasons, they are known for quick and plentiful growth, leaving you with a spice shaker full of homegrown seasoning. Experience your herbs free of sawdust, a condition common among packaged jars sold in markets. Just five pots of herbs can propagate fresh herbs for about seven months of the year, while freeze-dried plants can last for you winter reserve. Summer’s almost gone so let the rest of your summer provide you with the most cost efficient, health-wise offerings, letting you enjoy the most your wallet has to offer.
