Not in the mood to use coupons?

Well, then I have some good news for you! Somtimes, I just don't feel like using coupons. Yes me, the coupon queen! I do have a few strategies that seem to work so that I can still plan to make some good, healthy meals but not have to use any coupons at the store!

First tip: shop at Aldis!

Have you ever tried shopping there? If not, here are a few things to keep in mind so you aren't totally shocked when you enter their not-so-typical store!
#1) You have to make sure you have a quarter so that you can check out a cart. Don't worry, you will get your quarter back as long as you return your cart! That is one of the many ways Aldis keeps their costs down and pass their savings onto us!

#2) Bring your own reusable shopping bags. For many retailers, they have to up the cost of their food simply by offering bags for your groceries. I have gathered a few up along the way and have even gotten some for free. They are great to use, plus you are really helping out the environment!

#3) You can't be brand-loyal. Sure, there are a few things that  I am super brand loyal - (one of them being Hidden Valley low-fat ranch. There is nothing better!) But for just about everything else, you should be open to other brands.

#4) Make sure to pay with cash or debit - they do NOT accept credit cards.

Those are my tips for shopping at Aldis. A few things that I regularly buy at Aldis that are much cheaper than at other stores:

Eggs: typically about .79 for a dozen eggs
Block of cheese: $1.69
Milk: $1.79 for a gallon!
93% lean ground turkey: $2.49
French fries: $1.69 or so
Apple juice: $1.19
Onions (very cheap) but this week I got a whole bag for just .49!
Celery: .99
Apples: $1.99 for a 3 lb bag!
Strawberries (when in season) .99
Grapes (whenin season) $1.99 for 2lbs!
Tangerines: $1.99 for an entire bag!
Soup (like cream of mushroom etc.) .49? I can't recall, but they are relatively cheap
Tortilla chips: .99
"doritos" off brand chips .99
"fritos"  off brand chips .99
jalapenos: $1.29/jar
refried beans: .69-.99
Pinto beans: .99 (for a 32 oz. jar)
Those are the main things I tend to buy there, but they also randomly have brand name things in their store on sale. I hope this helps show you how you can save money without using coupons!

I would also reccomend making a list of typical prices of things that your family uses on a regular basis. Then, when they go on sale at a "rock bottom" price, it is time to stock up!

Second tip: Use what you have in your pantry! I know you've probably heard this before, but you don't have to make every meal using meat. I try to eat 3 meatless meals a week - and they are still tasty and satisfying! One great meal I make are bean tostadas. I toast up some corn tortillas with a little cooking spray in a 400 degree oven for 10 minutes. Then, once they are crispy, I use some pre-made refried beans I got from Aldis, along with some shredded cheese, lettuce, jalapenos and sour cream! Two of these are very filling, and delicious!

I know I also always have some frozen fish or chicken in the freezer that needs to be used up. You can always make an easy meal of chicken and rice! All you need are 4 chicken breasts, 1 cup of brown rice and one can of reduced fat cream of mushroom soup (I have found the fit and active brand of reduced fat soup to be a great deal at Aldis). Combine the rice, soup and a can of water. Mix that up and put the chicken on top. Bake in a 350 degree oven for one hour and you have a delicious meal, that took no prep at all! Serve with some frozen veggies you have in the freezer and you have a balanced meal that took no effort at all!