Eating wisely doesn’t have to be expensive.
Here are a few tips to keep your calories and budget in balance.
- Plan your weekly menu of meals and snacks in advance.
- Include meals like stews, casseroles or stir-fries that stretch expensive items into smaller portions.
- Check to see what foods you already have, then make a grocery list and stick to it.
- Clip coupons and use weekly ads to find the best sales. Ask about a loyalty card for extra savings at stores where you shop.
- Do not shop when you are hungry. It’s easier to stick to your shopping list when you’re not hungry.
- Compare store and generic brands for the best buy.
- Take advantage of sales.
- Buy and cook in bulk and freeze or use leftovers for future meals.
- Stretch costly meals, like meat dishes by substituting beans and adding more vegetables.
- Read the Nutrition Facts located on the food label to get the best nutrition and most value for your money.
- Buy in season, choosing fresh vegetables and fruit. Visit your local farmers market. Shop for discounted produce or better yet, why not grow your own vegetables, fruit or herbs.
- Stock up on canned or frozen vegetables or fruit, when they go on sale. This is a great alternative to fresh produce and can save money.
- Select fruit that is frozen, unsweetened or canned in its own juice. Select vegetables without added salt, butter or cream sauces.
- Shop for beans, peas, eggs, canned tuna packed in water and peanut butter, which are good sources of protein and good buys.
- Purchase whole grains like pasta, bread and rice, as they’re a good source of fiber and make inexpensive side dishes.
Finally, why not go back to the basics by making meals from scratch. The convenience foods like frozen dinner, pre-cut vegetables and instant rice, oatmeal or grits; they’ll cost you more money in the long run. If you make them from scratch they’ll be much less.
Get creative making your meals and using leftovers.
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