WHAT IS A PANTRY CHALLENGE?


Have you heard of the pantry challenge? And do you do it? I absolutely love pantry challenges and I do it regularly.


Today's post is about pantry challenges and why it's important to do one regularly, if you want to save on your grocery bills. 


I have mastered the art of saving on groceries and household expenses over the years.  One of the ways I do that is by doing pantry challenges several times a year. 


Pantry challenges not only help save money, but it also cuts down on food wastage. I thought I'll dedicate today's post to answering 3 questions about pantry challenges. So if you're ready, lets get into it.


WHAT IS A PANTRY CHALLENGE?


A pantry challenge is simply using up what you have within a time frame, before purchasing more. Anything from food to household products, the idea is to stop over buying and in the process save money by not wasting food. 


Lots of foods go to waste because we often forget what's in our pantry/cupboard and ends up expiring. It's such a waste of food and money that is why doing a pantry challenge is a must for me.  The money saved can be allocated to something else on the budget.


HOW TO DO A PANTRY CHALLENGE:


I have a confessions, I'm a big time food hoarder, especially clearance foods! I just love buying mark down foods, so most of the time my pantry and freezers are fully stocked. But the good news is I never let anything go to waste because of how organized my pantry is and also by doing pantry challenges.


I do a pantry challenge by shopping in my panty and freezer. I then plan meals based on what I have at home. For a limited of time, I only buy produce,  fruits, milk and eggs until I have used up almost everything in my pantry and freezer.


For example, if what's in my pantry is beans and chicken...guess what, we will be eating lot of meals with beans and chicken as the main ingredients. 


To be truly successful you must plan meals ahead of time to avoid getting overwhelmed and as a result giving up.  I get very creative and come up as many meals as possible. It's important, we don't get bored eating the same foods over and over again.  I get super determined about not  buying anything. Trust me, you'll feel like you do, when you actually don't.


WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO DO A PANTRY CHALLENGE?


There is no specific time to do a pantry challenge,  the ball is in your corner. Do a pantry challenge as you see fits.


I personally prefer doing a challenge just before summer. I actually just finished doing one not long ago,  so my pantry and freezer is nice and empty. I'm waiting patiently to stock up on end of summer sales.


Doing a challenge regularly is very important this day and age. Being very intentional about our spending is a must, especially groceries because it's the second largest bill after mortgage or rent.   


Food prices has been steadily increasing; so anything I can do to manage the cost of food is a priority for me. Read more on how I save on our grocery budget HERE.


I hope this motivates you to do a pantry challenge. You will be glad you did. 


Bye for now and S.M.I.L.E!


S - See

M - Miracles

I - In

L - Life

E - Everyday


XX

EMELIA


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