Keeping Your Grocery Bills Down - Where they should be!

I started doing research on this because, as many of you, I have a budget. In this economy, I also find it necessary to put as much of our extra cash into savings. The less we spend, the more of that 'extra cash' we have to save.

What I have come up with is a list of things that you can use to spend less without consuming less. I also believe in healthy and enjoyable living. Many people would say that it's close to impossible to "have it all". Therefore, they go out and buy cheap, junkie food to help keep the cost down or they drop loads of cash buying expensive food from local health food stores. This isn't to say that I am in any way putting down health food stores. What I am saying is that there are less expensive options. Here are some of the ideas that I have come up with.

• Find out who your local farmers are and what they have to offer. Where I live in Utah, there are plenty of local farms who sell their crops through farmer's markets, roadside stands, and co-op shares. You can often find "organic" foods for less than you'd pay at a discount grocery store. 
• Buy your non-perishable foods at bulk food warehouses. Unless you have a large family, buying perishable food in bulk will often lead to wasted food and money. 
• Price shop. Keep in mind, there are popular discount food superstores who price match. Don't be so quick to toss local ads. Some price matching stores require a competitor's ad, some don't. 
• Buy basics and then spice them up. I have not found a situation to where buying processed food is less expensive than finding the basics and putting them together to create the same result. Also, processed foods are famous for having really unhealthy ingredients added to them. By buying the basics, you get to be in charge of what goes into your food and therefore, your body. 
• Spend more time on hobbies and playing with your children. (if you have them) It's true. The busier you are, the less time you have to be bored. It's common knowledge that a big reason for obesity is eating too much and/ or unnecessary snacking. Many people, me included, feel like snacking when there's nothing else to do.
• Take more time to cook. This is a great hobby of mine. I find that the more I cook, the more aware I am of what I'm eating. Also, I can make great use of the 'basic' foods that I bought and make them into delicious meals. If you have limited time, a crock-pot is my top choice. 
• Last, but not least, not all health food stores are expensive. Although I've not found many, they are definitely worth looking for. Anytime we can save money by being well informed, we can feel more in control of ourselves and our budget.

If anyone has any comments or additions that should be added to this list, I am all ears!