HoodiaPharm HungerAway
Monday, June 9, 2008 Dieting on a Budget

Is the high cost of food getting you down? Do you think trimming your food budget means an expanding waistline? A lot of people want to eat healthy, but believe it's just too expensive. Do you feel the same way? Food prices continue to rise - everything from produce to pantry items. Plus, with such busy schedules, many of us look for "convenience" when food shopping, which adds up to a lot of extra money.

Here are some great ways to stay on track with your diet without breaking the bank:

A few pointers before you even get to the store - Avoid shopping on an empty stomach! Go after a meal, or have a snack - to help resist temptation. - Make a list and stick to it. That helps to avoid impulse buying. - Shop once a week and pre-plan your meals. - Use coupons for foods you regularly use.

Drink tap water: No bottled water, or other low-calorie drinks. Good for your wallet and the environment. If you have concerns about your tap water, get it tested, and add a filter to the tap, or a pitcher if needed.

Shop seasonally and locally: If it's local, and in-season, the shipping costs are largely reduced, with the savings passed on to you.

Look for frozen foods (fruits, veggies, poultry, fish) (without any added sauces): the same nutritional quality as fresh.

Make your own "single-serving" snacks. Portion control is great, but you don't need to pay more for it. Buy some snack size, re-sealable plastic bags, and be creative. From cereal, to fruit, to chips, you produce a double duty snack - calorie and cost controlled. Avoid the exotic. Stick with standard colors of fruits and vegetables. Green peppers don't seem as fancy as yellow or orange, but are a fraction of the cost. Cut up your own produce. The shelves are filled with pre-cut vegetables and fruits. Don't waste money for this "convenience" - which only saves a minute or two at home. Look for sale items - but read the label first! A variety of foods are in the "sale" sections - and can include fresh meats and poultry, dairy products, and produce. Check the expiration dates - often the markdowns occur with a date that closing in to "use by" or "sell by". it's a great savings if you can use the food in the right timeframe. Think ahead.

Buy store brands (private labels): These are often produced by the "name brand" companies.

Be flexible with "in-store" specials: Planning a fish dinner, but chicken breasts are a great buy? Change your menu!

Purchase foods in larger bags from your local supermarket, or even the "Big Box" stores like Sam's Club and Costco. Go in with a friend or two, to save money and reduce spoilage. You might not need 18 pears, but 6 or 9 would be perfect.

Posted by HoodiaPharm HungerAway :: 9:33 AM :: 0 comments

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