Did your grocery bill go up or down?

 I'm wondering if by buying the healthier foods it makes your food expenses go up or if by eating far less it makes it go down. What has been your experience?

Hello

Mine pretty much stayed the same.  Yes healthier food costs more (like better cuts of meat or organic produce) but I buy less.  I also save because don't buy all those high carb snacks like cookies and chips.  I am also saving a ton of money on going out to eat.  I used to eat out for lunch eavery day at work.  Now I brown bag my lunch every day.  I would eat fast food about 3 or more times a week for dinner.  Now I eat out 2-3 times a month.  I estimate I was spending about $50-$80 a week just eating out...now I don't even spend that much every month. 

All the money I am saving goes to keeping up with buying new clothes.  It seems that I will buy a pair of pants and they will fit for 1-2 months and then they are too big.  Pants I bought in November-December are now too baggy.  So I am constantly buying something new.  I keep the basics stocked in my size...black, grey, and navy slacks...2 pairs of jeans.   

Hijack!  LOL

When I was still in my losing phase, I bought all of my clothes at Kohls.  They have the BEST return/exchange policy.  My friend works there and suggested this to me - I would have never thought of it on my own (thanks Traci)!  I kept the tags and receipts for everything I bought and simply kept exchanging them for smaller sizes every 6 weeks or so until I stopped losing.  They had NO idea and never questioned me ONCE as to whether the clothing was worn or not (most clothing these days looks "worn" anyway). It saved me $$ and I always had new clothes rather than going the thrift store route.  I'm sure you could do this at a lot of major retailers.  What can they say if you have the tags and receipt?

I know that sounds ghetto...lol...but I wanted to save my money for when I got to goal and did some REAL shopping. :) 

Just wanted to share!

I second that. I buy less (although I go more often) for sure. But the quality of the food I am buying is so much higher so I am spending about the same. When everything you are guying is fresh and non-processed, you are definitely paying more. But, without a doubt, I think it is 100% worth it.

Also, like you, we are DEFINITELY eating out way less than we used to so that's a HUGE savings on the old budget... Anything that IS saved though, is going towards the tropical vacation we are taking in March of 2012 for our 10th anniversary. SO EXCITED!

That makes sense. However, we hardly ever go out to eat so it's not like that is going to save us money. And I'm a big coupon user now, but there aren't many coupons for organic food and high-end cuts of meat! But I'm sure it will worth it even the food bill does get a bit higher. It's all getting higher right now anyway no matter what you buy though.

For me, I definitely am spending more! Instead of buying processed food, I've replaced it with buying more meats, veggies, fruits, yogurts, cottage cheese, egg beaters, "egg land's best" eggs, protein powders, healthy cheeses and lunch meats. All of these things cost more, but are healthier for you. I have to go the the grocery store more often also, because I want the produce to stay fresh. My meals are planned so differently than before which means more cooking for the family. Before I could whip up hot dogs, mac & cheese and a can of green beans. Now I actually use recipes and cook dinner so that all of us are eating what I eat. I will say that i have never been a coupon user, but I'm a clip pin' fool now! Anything to save a buck or two!

Jen-

Now I actually use recipes and cook dinner so that all of us are eating what I eat.

That's awesome!  Not only are you changing your own life for the better but you are creating a new generation of health-smart kids!  There are so many rewards in this process - can't think of a better one than the gift of healthy living to your children and loved ones.

For me, mine has went down tremendously!!! We use to eat out a lot and now where I cant eat much, I'd rather cook instead of eat out!!! I love my lapband!!! Ive lost 39 pounds since Nov 10, 2010!!! I'm EXCITED about the outcome!!! Joyce

My grocery bill has stayed about the same. I am saving about $50 a month because I don't eat out much now. If I do it's usually a Wendy's small chili for $1.58 -- much cheaper than a "value" meal : )

Trixie

I think mine went down.  I don't buy as much packaged and frozen foods which are expensive.  I tend to shop more in the outer aisles and make batches of things like chili, roasts, etc. that I can freeze and take to work.  I definately save a ton because I don't go out to eat at lunch everyday like I used to.  Ever since my surgery I bring both breakfast and lunch to work every day!

Lisa O.