So after my last trip to the grocery store I had to ask myself was I doing all I could to keep our grocery bill down.

Our grocery bill has actually increased since we made some food decision choices.

I love to save money as much as the next person but certain dietary choices have limited my ability to be one of those who can come out of the grocery store paying $12 for $150 work of groceries.

Here are some our family food choices…

• We buy hormone and antibiotic free milk and eggs The brands I buy I sometimes can find a coupon for but not always and I have big milk drinkers.
• We recently started buying grass fed beef and my husband LOVES beef.
• We eat free range chicken and turkey…also costs more.
• I’m allergic to soy so that drops A LOT off of our grocery store choices.  Since it would be more expensive to buy items containing lecithin and other soy additives for the family and separate items for me we all eat the same items which do cost more when you remove additives…go figure.
• Here’s the real killer to our grocery bill. We watch a lot of America’s Test Kitchen and have become a bit of snobs in some cooking areas.

Ways I try to reduce the grocery bill…

• Use coupons when I can. Personal care items and some snack foods.
• Growing what I can in a very small space. So far I haven’t had to buy lettuce this summer and tomatoes and potatoes will soon be here.
• I make all of our breads and baked goods, birthday cakes included (hobby so the family is taking advantage). I’m trying to talk myself into making our crackers and snacky foods too.
• Some household products I can find at lower prices online. And I always try to look for free shipping.

And then I read these posts and didn’t feel so bad…

How I Came to Peace With My Grocery Bill

How to Lower Your Grocery Bill By Not Following My Example