Get the Most for Your Budget

This will make your day – you can eat healthy AND save money. All it takes are these easy steps:

Plan your meals for the week ahead of time. Include meals like stews, casseroles, or stir-fries that “stretch” expensive items into more portions. Check to see what foods you already have on hand and make a list for what you need to buy (and stick to it)!
Check the local newspaper, online, and at the store for sales and coupons. Ask about a loyalty card for extra savings at stores where you shop, and look for specials or sales on meat and seafood, which are often the most expensive items on your list.

Locate the “Unit Price” on the shelf directly below the product you want to buy. Use it to compare different brands and different sizes of the same brand to determine which is more economical. It is almost always cheaper to buy foods in bulk. Smart choices are family packs of chicken, steak, or fish and larger bags of potatoes and frozen vegetables.
Buying fruits and vegetables in season can lower the cost and add to the freshness! If you are not going to use them all right away, buy some that still need time to ripen so they last longer.

Certain foods are typically low-cost options all year round. Try beans for a less expensive protein food. For vegetables, buy carrots, greens, or potatoes. As for fruits, apples, and bananas are good and delicious choices.
Prepare a large batch of favorite recipes on your day off (double or triple the recipe). Freeze in individual containers to use throughout the week so you won’t have to spend money on take-out meals.
Spice up your leftovers and use them in new ways. Use leftover chicken in a stir-fry, salad, or chili. Remember, throwing away food is throwing away your money!

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