Budget Grocery Hacks for Keto: Coupons, Discounts & Freezing Tips
The ketogenic diet, commonly referred to as the keto diet, has gained immense popularity in recent years due to its potential health benefits, including weight loss, improved blood sugar control, and enhanced mental clarity. However, one of the common misconceptions about the keto diet is that it is expensive and inaccessible to those on a tight budget.
In this article, we will provide you with budget grocery hacks for keto, including coupons, discounts, and freezing tips. We will also cover the basics of keto shopping, provide tips and tricks for saving money, and highlight some of the best keto-friendly foods to buy on a budget.
Understanding the Keto Diet
Before we dive into the grocery hacks, let's take a brief look at what a keto diet entails. A keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that involves drastically reducing the intake of carbohydrates and replacing them with fat. This forces the body to enter a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates.
A typical keto diet consists of:
- 70-80% of daily calories from fat
- 15-20% of daily calories from protein
- 5-10% of daily calories from carbohydrates
Keto Shopping Basics
When shopping for keto-friendly foods, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Focus on whole foods: Whole foods such as meats, fish, eggs, vegetables, and healthy oils are the foundation of a keto diet.
- Read labels: Be sure to read labels and check the ingredient list, nutrition facts, and serving size.
- Avoid processed foods: Processed foods are often high in carbohydrates and added sugars, making them unsuitable for a keto diet.
Coupons and Discounts
Here are some tips for finding coupons and discounts on keto-friendly foods:
- Check online coupon websites: Websites like RetailMeNot, Coupons.com, and Groupon offer a wide range of coupons and discounts on grocery items.
- Sign up for store loyalty programs: Many grocery stores offer loyalty programs that provide exclusive discounts and coupons to members.
- Look for sales: Check the weekly ads for your local grocery stores and look for sales on keto-friendly foods.
- Use cashback apps: Apps like Ibotta and Fetch Rewards offer cashback on certain grocery items.
Freezing Tips
Freezing is a great way to save money on keto-friendly foods. Here are some tips for freezing:
- Freeze meat and poultry: Meat and poultry can be frozen for up to a year. Consider buying in bulk and freezing for later use.
- Freeze vegetables: Many vegetables can be frozen, including broccoli, cauliflower, and spinach. Simply blanch and freeze for later use.
- Freeze leftovers: Consider freezing leftovers for later use. This can help reduce food waste and save money.
Best Keto-Friendly Foods to Buy on a Budget
Here are some of the best keto-friendly foods to buy on a budget:
- Eggs 🥚: $1.50 per dozen
- Canned tuna 🐟: $1.50 per can
- Avocados 🥑: $1.00 per avocado
- Bacon 🍖: $3.50 per pound
- Chicken thighs 🍗: $2.50 per pound
Budget Grocery Hacks
Here are some budget grocery hacks for keto:
- Buy in bulk: Buying in bulk can help reduce costs. Consider buying items like nuts, seeds, and oils in bulk.
- Shop at discount stores: Stores like Aldi and Lidl offer affordable prices on keto-friendly foods.
- Use coupons and discounts: Take advantage of coupons and discounts on keto-friendly foods.
- Plan your meals: Plan your meals in advance to ensure you're using the ingredients you buy.
Conclusion
Budget grocery hacks for keto can help make the diet more accessible and affordable. By using coupons, discounts, and freezing tips, you can save money on keto-friendly foods. Additionally, by focusing on whole foods, reading labels, and avoiding processed foods, you can ensure you're getting the nutrients you need while staying within your budget.
