| One of the easiest traps to fall into when money | | | | To save as much as possible, limit yourself to |
| is tight is to eat unhealthy foods. Healthy foods | | | | what is on that list. No impulse purchases! It takes |
| seem to be so expensive, after all. However, | | | | self discipline, but cutting back on impulse items |
| there are ways to save money while eating | | | | can be a huge help. |
| healthier foods. Yes, you can skip the ramen | | | | They may seem expensive, but fruits and |
| noodle section of your grocery store and still feed | | | | vegetables that are in season are actually quite |
| your family well. | | | | affordable, and can be an excellent alternative to |
| What's the trick? Planning! | | | | sugary or salty snacks. Their frozen counterparts |
| Whether you work at home or outside the home, | | | | are also quite good for you and may be quite |
| your life can often be so hectic that it just seems | | | | affordable. |
| simpler to order pizza or cook prepackaged | | | | If you have space in the freezer, buy meats |
| convenience foods. However, these are typically | | | | when they are at their best discount. You will |
| much less healthy for you than foods you cook | | | | want to keep track of what a good price is for |
| yourself. | | | | each kind of meat. You will also want to be aware |
| Start by picking out the recipes you would like to | | | | of when products get marked down. I know that |
| make. Deciding on what you are serving ahead of | | | | my local Albertson's, for example, generally marks |
| time can keep you from deciding on something | | | | their ground beef from the butcher department |
| less healthy but easier to make just because you | | | | to $1/pound somewhere around 9 o'clock every |
| don't feel like taking the time to cook the healthier | | | | evening. Guess what time I shop there when I |
| food. | | | | need ground beef? |
| If time is a major issue, consider recipes where | | | | Make the most of your leftovers. It's all to easy |
| you can prepare it partially or fully in advance. | | | | to forget them and have to clean out the fridge |
| There are people who do an entire week's | | | | several days later. Wasted food is money you're |
| cooking in one day, storing the meals in the | | | | throwing out. Pull those leftovers out for lunch! |
| refrigerator or freezer. Even if you can't entirely | | | | Finally, pay attention to how you're cooking your |
| prepare the meal in advance, consider chopping | | | | food. You may not need as much oil as you've |
| the vegetables in advance. | | | | been using, for example. Stir frying can be a |
| Planning your meals in advance also helps with | | | | great way to mix your meat and vegetables up |
| your grocery shopping. Use your plans to create | | | | with a delicious sauce. Drain the grease when you |
| your shopping list. You may even want to plan | | | | cook ground beef to make it a little healthier. Trim |
| your meals at the same time as you plan your | | | | excess fat from other meats to make them just |
| shopping list by taking a look at what is on special | | | | a little better for you. And don't forget to eat |
| at whichever grocery stores you plan to shop at. | | | | your vegetables! Try mixing them up with some |
| Buying items that are on special can save you | | | | spices rather than butter... there are wonderful |
| quite a bit of money. You may even want to | | | | ways to bring out the flavors of vegetables. |
| stock up. | | | | |