Summer is in full swing and that means planning meals around summer fun, kid's activities, sporting events, and more. As the weather warms up and our focus moves to summer fun, don’t forget about sticking to your meal budget. Here are a few easy ways to save on summer meals this year. 

 

Meal Plan Simple And Easy Dishes  

When it’s hot outside, the last thing you want to do is warm up your home with a hot dish. Before you grocery shop, it is crucial to plan out your week of meals. By planning out your meals you can eliminate wasted produce and sometimes save money by coordinating your meals to work as leftovers, lunches, or even incorporate into the next evening meal.  

 

Summer is a great time for produce. Shop your local farmers' market for sweet savings on your fruit and veggies. Rather than an elaborate dish, incorporate salad and sandwich recipes into your weekly menu. The simpler, the better this summer. Maximize your staple items by incorporating them into many minimal meals throughout the week. 

 

Meal Prep Prior To The  Week 

Make a list of your family’s top meal suggestions so when you visit the store you know exactly what and how much you need to get you through the week. Make advance preparations to eliminate impulsive purchases and wasted food. This is a great time to scope out any sales the grocery store has going on to cohesively coordinate your menu.  

 

When it comes to prepping your meals in advance, you can either prepare and freeze or simply prepare the ingredients so you can quickly put them together when mealtime comes around. This is especially handy to do with products you use for many things to save time when preparing a snack or lunch on the go. We all know kids are more likely to go for fruits and veggies when they are cut, rinsed, and ready to go.  

 

Grow Your Own Veggies And Herbs 

If you are into gardening, growing your own produce is an easy way to save on summer meals. Fruits and veggies make for a simple and healthy snack on the go. Rather than preparing a complex side, fruits or veggies with dip reduces your prep time and make for a refreshing addition to your meal.  

 

Plan Out Crockpot Meals 

Heating up the stove can result in heating up your house. Stay cool and less rushed when you get home by trying out a crockpot meal. The best part about crockpot meals is that there are countless options, and they can cook all day to be ready for the evening.  

 

Grill Out Often 

Grilled food is a summer staple. Grilling is a relatively fast and delicious option. From burgers to pizza, you can get creative with your meals on the grill. The best part about grilling is the clean-up is minimal. Plan an evening outside to save some time on dishes and kitchen clean-up. 

 

The key to saving on meals this summer is planning and simplifying your diet. It can be very tempting to opt for a drive-through during a busy week or after a ball game but creating your own meals at home can equate to a ton of savings. Your budget and your gut will thank you for planning in advance.