NUTRITION CORNER
How to Save Money and Stay Healthy on Passover
PLAN YOUR MENU IN ADVANCE, MAKE A SHOPPING LIST AND STICK TO IT. AVOID IMPULSE BUYS -- DO YOU REALLY NEED THAT $30 JAR OF CASHEW BUTTER? By Miriam Leibowitz, MHSc, RD
Passover can be an expensive and stressful time. From wine and matzah to plastic goods and snacks for the kids, the cost of making Passover can get quite high. Here are some tips that may help save you some money and keep you healthy at the same time.
MAKE A BUDGET: Sit down and make a budget prior to Passover, keeping in mind seder meals and guests you will be hosting. Budgets are a good way to separate needs and wants. For example, do you need that $30 jar of cashew butter? PLAN IN ADVANCE: Write out your Passover meals and menu and stick to your grocery list when you shop. Avoid impulse buying as those items are most likely to be expensive. Many stores offer discount prices if you buy in larger quantities or ahead of time so look out for deals in local magazines and flyers. DON’T SUCCUMB TO PEER PRESSURE: It’s easy to get caught up with all the fancy dishes your friends and neighbors may be making. You know your family and needs so stick with what you know works to minimize additional costs and stress.
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KEEP IT SIMPLE: Try to use basic ingredients like oil, salt, pepper and other spices. As well, many Kosher for Passover spices can be kept from the year before so no need to throw them out. Take stock of your pantry from the year before and see what can be used before you go out and buy new. STAY AWAY FROM MANY PROCESSED FOODS that are Kosher for Passover (KFP) such as cookies, mixes and cakes: These foods tend to be quite expensive and high in fat, sugar and calories. When you can bake from scratch, it won’t break the budget and will be a lot healthier. Many KFP mixes are quite costly so stick to desserts that use ingredients that are not particularly for Passover, such as sorbets and meringues as these tend to be cheaper. Freezing in advance will also give you more time to cook your fresh foods the week before.