Name of Blog

Author :Stephanie A. Mayberry in RV Tips & Education

Eating healthy and staying healthy on the road can be a challenge. When you are traveling in an RV it is somewhat easier, but still, most RV refrigerators don’t leave much room for storage. There are some ways that you can save on healthy food, though. It just takes a little creativity and planning. These are some ways that I’ve found to cut the costs of healthy, fresh foods.

Shop the Local Farmer’s Market
Most areas have farmer’s markets and you can really rack up on the great deals there. It allows you to support the local economy and local farmers (something I am passionate about – wherever we are I buy local whenever I can) as well as get some fresh foods at good prices. What’s more, most farmer’s markets extend beyond just fruits and vegetables. Often you can get local honey, preserves, homemade bread, and more.
Check out this awesome guide on farmer’s markets.

Check Sales Circulars for Sales in your Area
There aren’t many coupons for fresh food so I have to be creative. Checking the sales at nearby stores can mean big savings at the checkout. I often plan my meals around the sales I find. I search the sales for meat, vegetables, and fruit on sale then create my weekly menu around that. The best thing is, you don’t have to buy a newspaper to go to every store to get their sales ads. I use the Sunday Saver. It has sales circulars for grocery stores and other stores too.

Opt for Whole Instead of Pre-Cut
Pre-cut vegetables might be convenient but they are also expensive. You can save money by purchasing the vegetables and fruits whole and cutting them yourself. I like to buy strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, wash them and combine them in a container and keep them in the fridge. I could buy it pre-packaged, but I save money and get more by doing it myself. Some grocery stores will cut your vegetables for you – for free. Some Piggly Wiggly stores do it right there in the produce department.

Try this amazing recipe, tailored for the RV Kitchen: Awesome RV Eats: Banana Pudding

Double Up and Freeze Half
This is a money saving tip that works in many kitchens, including a tiny RV kitchen. Yes, you have limited space in your freezer, but you can still put away a few meals. When I cook gumbo, sauce piquante, or chili I will put half in a freezer bag, then lay it flat in the freezer. It doesn’t take up a great deal of space and it’s pretty terrific when you don’t feel like cooking or are in a time crunch.

Reduce Waste by Repurposing Leftovers
We try very hard to avoid having leftovers, but sometimes that just isn’t possible. When we have leftovers I find ways to use them the following day and incorporate them into a different and new dish. For instance, I like to cut up leftover chicken and make my jalapeno chipotle cream sauce with linguini. Add a shrimp and some parmesan or other cheese to leftover stewed vegetables for a delicious new dish. Get creative and don’t be afraid to try something new.

For an delicious recipe that is super economic, using scraps read this: Don’t Toss Those Kitchen Scraps!

What’s your favorite money saving food tip? I’d love to hear it!