Five tips to help you shop smarter and healthier

With food prices going through the roof, it is often tempting to opt for unhealthy food options as these are usually cheaper – or so we think. In celebration of National Nutrition Week from 09-15 October, Super Sun shares five tips to help you buy more nutritional food without breaking your groceries budget:  

1. Get organised: Find out which vegetables are in season, or better yet, take a look at what’s currently ready to eat in your vegetable garden and work around those options instead of opting for more expensive, out of season greens. Now that you know what you should be going for, make a basic meal plan for the week ahead and buy groceries according to those meals. This will prevent you from buying unnecessary items that you end up tossing out.  
2. Be smart about shopping: Find out which grocery stores are currently offering combo specials and take advantage of loyalty cards for extra savings. Look for the latest sell-by date when buying fresh produce. Don’t be tricked into buying products that are at eye-level on the shelves – these are often the most expensive options. Look up or bend down when looking for cheaper options. 
3. Look for carbohydrates high in nutrients: Maize-based products that are fortified with vitamins and minerals are not only cheaper than other starches but will also give your family lots of energy and keep them healthy. Combining these carbs with fresh vegetables from your garden is an excellent way to serve nutritious meals for a balanced diet. 
4. Join grocery stokvels: With the rising cost of food, consider joining a stokvel with other members of your community to buy basic non-perishables such as super maize meal, canned foods and oil. Purchasing these items on special and in bulk will help to stretch your income as you take advantage of cheaper groceries that last longer. 
5. Load up on the good stuff: Vegetables are the obvious choice for a balanced diet. Buy them in bags rather than individually to save costs. Save on meat costs and choose cheaper proteins like beans and lentils, and add them to stews and soups to help stretch your meals further. Canned, packed or frozen goods are often cheaper. Where possible, buy and cook in bulk to save money and time.