Groceries are one of those expenses that can feel impossible to control. You have to eat, prices vary from week to week, and it’s easy to spend more than planned.

But a few simple habits can help stretch your grocery budget without requiring extreme couponing or giving up the foods your family enjoys.

Start with what you already have.

Before making your grocery list, check your refrigerator, freezer and pantry. Build a few meals around ingredients you already have instead of automatically buying everything you need for new recipes.

Plan your meals—but keep it realistic.

You don’t have to plan seven elaborate dinners every week. Even planning four or five meals can reduce last-minute trips to the grocery store and the temptation to order takeout.

Shop with a list.

A grocery list is one of the simplest ways to avoid impulse purchases. If something isn’t on the list, give yourself a reason before putting it in the cart. Even better, utilize online order and pickup or delivery services to ensure you only buy what is on the list!

Compare unit prices.

The larger package isn’t always the better deal. Look at the unit price displayed on the shelf or description to determine which option actually costs less per ounce, pound or item.

Don’t confuse a sale with a savings.

A sale only saves you money if you were going to buy the item in the first place. Buying something you don’t need simply because it’s discounted can still increase your grocery bill.

Use leftovers intentionally.

Instead of hoping leftovers don’t go to waste, plan for them. Cook enough chicken for two meals, turn leftover vegetables into a soup or use extra ingredients for lunches.

And don’t underestimate the financial impact of one small change. If better planning keeps you from making one $30 takeout order each week, that’s more than $1,500 over the course of a year.

Saving money at the grocery store isn’t about never buying treats or choosing the cheapest option every time. It’s about being intentional with what you buy and making sure more of what you purchase actually gets used.

A little planning before you shop can make a noticeable difference in your monthly budget.