Eating Healthy On A Budget
By Judy Turner, Fri Dec 9th

We all know that we need to eat better but isn't it frustratingthat the healthier you try to eat the more money you seem tospend? It doesn't have to be that way. Here are just a few tipsto help you feed your family nutritious meals without breakingyour budget.

1) Plan your meals around the sales. Stores routinely rotatesales items every 6 weeks so plan accordingly and stock up. Ischicken breast on sale this week? Instead of buying 1 packpurchase several packs, separate into family size portions andfreeze. If you routinely purchased only what was on sale(besides the perishables you need each week) you will soon havea well stocked freezer and pantry as well as a smaller grocerybill.

2) Avoid purchasing boxed foods. Most boxed foods are full ofpreservatives and trans fats so it is best to avoid them. Do youlike the convenience of boxed foods? There are several goodcookbooks and recipes online for making homemade mixes to keepon hand. Everything from homemade cookie mix to macaroni andcheese and more. Put these mixes in a pretty jar with thedirections to prepare and it also makes a nice frugal gift!

3) Use coupons wisely. How many times have you gone to the storewith a fist full of coupons only to come home spending more thanyou planned? The key to saving with coupons is to only purchasethe items you would normally use anyway. You will also find thatthe store brand may still be the better bargain. An even betteridea is to hold onto that and wait for the item you wantto go on sale.

4) Do a exchange. Check with family and friends who getthe Sunday paper and exchange coupons for

ones you can use. Thatway you can really stock up when your favorite items are on saleand you have coupons.

5) Buy produce in season. It will taste much better and you willusually pay less. Also in the warmer months be sure to takeadvantage of farmers markets for low prices on produce. Buyitems like peppers and onions when on sale, chop them and freezethem for quick recipes during the week. Zucchini can be shreddedand frozen for zucchini bread and other recipes.

6) Make your grocery list and stick to it. Beware of thoseimpulse buys!

7) Shop after dinner. You wont be tempted to pick up take outbecause you are too tired and hungry to cook when you get home.

8) Shop alone. Nothing blows a budget quicker than when yourkids are with you! You will also get out of the store muchquicker which will actually save you money.

9) When buying meat think of recipes where you can get more thanone meal out of it. Meatsauce is still satisfying with half theamount of ground beef. Slice up other cuts of meat for stirfries or to put on top of a nice salad and you have a quickhealthy meal.

10) Don't be loyal to just one store. Most grocery stores havecertain items priced really low to get your business. If youhave several grocery stores in your area try and take advantageof what deals each store has to offer.

11) Have breakfast for dinner once in a while. An omelette,toast and fresh fruit is very economical and very quick to cookon a busy night.

These are just a few tips to help you save money while eatingbetter. I hope that you find some or all of them useful for yourfamily!

About the author:Judy Turner is owner of http://www.wahmonabudget.com the frugalwoman's guide to working at home.