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Grocery Shopping Tips for Seniors

Enhancing Health, Embracing Life

Whether you're single, a widow, a widower, or have a partner, you may find that you're not purchasing as many groceries these days.

With foods so expensive, tossing out spoiled items become regrettable, particularly on the pocketbook.

Here are a few tips that we hope will expand your budget as well as provide a new level to your grocery shopping experience.

- Invite a friend to accompany you.

The plus is not only companionship, but the sharing aspect. As bulk items tend to be cheaper, those can be purchased together, then shared. A few suggestions: potatoes, tissue, double-packaged medicines (those 2 for 1 super deals), and bread.

If you don't want to bother with figuring up the tab, simply check out the bulk items on a separate ticket, then spilt the bill.

- When purchasing juices, check the percentage of real juice.

The unsweetened varieties will help pave your way to good health. As a health note, cherry juice has been shown in studies to decrease pain before exercise, as well as in those individuals suffering from arthritis. Aim to purchase 100% juices to get the best nutritional value for your money.

- Double recipes to extend your dollars.

Some recipes taste better the second day out - such as meatloaf, chili and spaghetti. Double the recipe for a few cents more to stretch your budget. A pot of chicken soup can last for two to three days and tends to get better with age. Prepare a large skillet of cornbread and store in a gallon size plastic bag that has a zipper or a seal. Enjoy it with your soup along with a serving of milk or as we like to call it - cow juice.

- We're never too old to try something new!

As we grow older we sometimes find ourselves in a rut - cooking the same foods, the same way. Experiment with foods - and try foods that you generally wouldn't cozy up to. Spices, fresh herbs - so many times to play with besides pots and wooden spoons.

This doesn't mean that we must go out and search for goat cheese or exotic foods - particularly if we're on a limited budget. For example, a bottle of lemon pepper can be found in the spice section at your local market. Forget the name brand and opt for the store's lower priced container. It will be just as delicious. Sprinkle it onto pan roasted chicken. You can even perk-up vegetables with this wonderful, inexpensive seasoning.

- Remember old friends in the kitchen.

And what about that forgotten crock pot - which can basically prepare an entire meal for you?

My husband and I have this little sandwich smasher that we simply adore. A bargain at $5.00, we simply spray four slices of bread with butter flavored cooking spray, then place sliced mushrooms and low fat cheese between the bread before placing the sandwiches into the machine. Simply - and we do mean, simply delicious!

Think of all the different sandwich combinations you can come up with.

A rice cooker is a must if you love rice as we do. Another perk? The rice cooker will also steam veggies as the rice cooks. And rice stores very well in the fridge and works well as a base in creating new meals. Example: Steamed rice, roasted chicken chunks, shredded low fat cheese and a dash of your favorite seasonings or spices - such as caramelized onions, bell peppers and mushrooms with a bit of curry added. As a health perk, curry has been shown in health studies to improve memory function.

Three very fine money-saving tips to enhance your life:

Music, flowers, china and crystal go well with scented candles at mealtimes - whether you're dining alone or with company.

Leave space on your calendar to enjoy a meal in the company of a friend or family member. That's one less meal to buy at the market. If you're pinched or limited on funds, share a meal. My husband and I do this all the time as entrees at restaurants are far too large for one individual.

Clipping coupons can save you big dollars, but only if you use the items that you purchase on a regular basis.

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