July 01, 2011
More energy, weight loss, a longer and more vibrant life. The reasons to eat healthy abound, but today's rising food costs can make it difficult to eat healthy at an affordable price. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce your waistline while still controlling your budget and building your savings.
- Clip coupons, watch sales flyers. By planning your meals around items on sale that week, you can greatly lower your grocery bill. Check the Sunday paper or online coupon sites for extra savings on items you buy anyway. If you find a great deal, stock up and freeze the surplus.
- Pack your lunch. Buying lunch every day - even cheap fast food - can add up quickly on your budget and your waistline. Bringing your own lunch to work or school daily can cut costs substantially while also allowing you to control the ingredients for a healthier noon day meal.
- Buy in-season produce. Fresh food that is in-season is simply cheaper and often more tasty. Check the flyers for deals or head to your local farmers' market to buy local.
- Grow your own. The best in-season produce is the items you grow yourself. Plant a garden for a surplus of in-season produce that you can enjoy for a healthy meal or preserve for the future.
- Plan smart to eliminate waste. Americans generate roughly 30 million tons of food waste each year. By planning your week's meals ahead, you can limit waste and lower your costs. If you do have leftover meat or produce, try making soup or stew or freezing it for future use.
- Buy store brands. National brands are often more expensive, so consider buying store brands instead which are often bought from national food manufacturers anyhow.