In tough economic times, creating meals on a budget becomes the norm in many American households. It may seem impossible to cut back on grocery spending, but several tricks make it simple without feeling deprived. Reducing your food bills is often a good way to get healthy and lose weight because you are spending more money on healthy snacks and meals, and less on junk food at the store or in restaurants.
Use Meat Substitutes
Meat is a great source of protein, but is often expensive. Using meat alternatives a few times a week can reduce your spending, while still providing adequate amounts of protein in your meals. Try using beans in place of ground beef in chili, tacos and burritos. Or mash beans and form them into patties as a low-cost alternative to burgers. Eggs are another high protein food that don't cost as much as meat. Try a quiche made with sliced vegetables or an egg and cheese sandwich on an English muffin. These meals are filling and low-cost.
Serve Grains
Grain foods are inexpensive but filling; they are good items to include in your budget meal plans. Serve whole-wheat pasta with marinara sauce and steamed vegetables, or mix with canned tuna and hard-boiled eggs for healthy and filling meals that cost just a few dollars. Serve grilled cheese sandwiches on whole-wheat bread with a bowl of soup, or serve vegetable fried rice for an ethnic meal that is budget-friendly.
Make Leftovers
Creating meals that leave enough food left over for another meal is a great way to save money on your grocery bill. Try roasting a chicken and eating half for dinner one night and shred the leftover chicken for another night. Use it to make soup, enchiladas or chicken salad sandwiches. Use leftover steak for shredded beef tacos or BBQ beef sandwiches. Pack leftover side dishes or salads in your lunchbox the next day to save money on fast food and cut down on the amount of lunch food you buy at the grocery store.
Plan Ahead
Having a plan regarding what you buy at the store is a great way to stick to a budget. Make a menu for the week and a grocery list that corresponds. Check the local grocery store ads and choose meals that make use of sale items. Once you arrive at the store, buy only what is on your list and resist impulse buys to keep your food bill low. Decide how much you will spend before you begin shopping so that you are able to stick to your budget. Shopping without your children, if possible, is another way to reduce your grocery bill because you won't be talked into buying extras. Avoid junk food, such as frozen pizzas, soda, candy and commercially prepared baked goods, because they are often more expensive than healthy items.
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