10 + ways to save on your Grocery Bill WITHOUT USING A SINGLE COUPON

I know learning how to coupon can be a daunting task.  How do you organize?  Am I really getting the best deal?  Is the cashier going to laugh at me (ok, maybe just me)?  I used to tell my husband that serious couponing made my head hurt.  Here are some tips and ideas on how to save money by making a few adjustments.  I added extra credit for the pros!

1. Buy fruits and vegetables in season.  30-50% savings.
2. Buy chicken, beef and all other meats on sale.  Boneless, skinless chicken breast is on sale for   $1.99 a lb. at Kroger and Publix (buy 4-6 weeks worth and freeze it in meal portions).  Bone in chicken is on sale for $.99 a pound at Kroger.  You can debone the chicken and use the bones to make your own chicken broth. 65% or more in savings. 
3. Buy fattier ground turkey and beef for meals that require ground meat.  Brown the meat and then rinse it in a collander.  You will make your own healthier (leaner) ground turkey and beef.  30% or more in saving. 
4. Buy a whole head of lettuce instead of bagged lettuce. Is it really that hard to cut lettuce? Wash the lettuce and put it in a salad spinner.  It takes less than 5 minutes but will save you 40% or more.
5. Shop BUY 1 GET 1 FREE sales.  You do not have to buy 2 items on BOGO sales (unless in select locations).   I would stock up during these sales (4-6 week supply). (Also, 10 for $10 does not mean you have to buy 10 and 3 for $10 does not mean you have to buy 3. This is just a marketing strategy.) At least 50% savings.
6. Don't buy deli meat.  Grill extra chicken, steak and turkey to make your own sandwich meat or chicken salads etc. 66% savings.
7. Quit buying bottled water.  Leave tap water in a pitcher in your refrigerator.  The chlorine taste will nutralize after 24 hours.  Another way to save is use refrigerator filtration or use a Brita or Pur water pitcher. 78-100% savings.
8. Kick the soda habit or at least buy 2-liters on sale.  Or, if you buy soda, buy it on sale and preferably 2-liter bottles. **2-liter coke products are on sale at Kroger for $.88 a bottle (stock up for 6-8 weeks). 60-100% in savings.
9. Make your own desserts and birthday cakes.  72% savings. 
10. Buy frozen fish unless it is on sale. Did you know frozen fish is fresher than fish found at most supermarkets?  25% or more in savings.

Extra Credit

1. Learn how to make your own yogurt.   I know our kids love yogurt, and I would love to know that the ingredients are all natural. 
2. Make your own cleaning products like our grandmothers did using natural products like  baking soda, vinegar, salt, mineral oil etc. The ingredients are cheap and green.  60% or more in savings.
3. Use linen dishcloths to dry your hands and clean your counters in the kitchen rather than paper towels. 

LEARN HOW TO USE COUPONS AND YOU WILL BE SAVING LOTS MORE!!!

10 + ways to save on your Grocery Bill WITHOUT USING A SINGLE COUPON