Groceries are a significant part of your budget, especially with growing children in the family.  If you don’t plan wisely, you might join the list of Americans who waste – on average – 14% of the food they buy.  That doesn’t make economic or environmental sense, nor does it help you reach your nutritional goals.

Yes, buying healthy foods can be healthy for both your body AND your wallet.  In fact, planning your meals with your health and budget in mind is really the smartest way to shop!  Here are some tips that will help you trim your figure and your budget:

• Eat at home instead of eating out.  When you plan, prepare and present food, you’re more likely to pay attention to nutrition and expense.
• Involve the whole family in menu planning.  You’ll have less waste when everyone’s favorites are served, and you can teach a good nutrition lesson to the kids at the same time.  (Shhhh, they don’t need to know they’re learning!)
• Let the kids help cook!  The younger they get involved, the more fun they’ll have helping, and that translates into a healthy relationship with food (and its preparation) later in life.
• Go grocery shopping once a week, and stick to your list.
• Use coupons.  Kids love cutting them out of circulars, and you’ll save money every time you shop.
• Look for items you can buy in large (bulk) quantities for additional savings.  But be sure you have storage space and that your menu will accommodate fresh produce so it’s not wasted.
  Buy fresh and buy local!  Generally speaking, you’ll get foods that are in season, and it’s often less expensive than items that had to be shipped from a distance.
• Be sure your menu allows for creative use of leftovers.

You don’t have to break the bank to feed your family healthy and delicious meals.  With a little planning and some quality family time in the kitchen, you can eat healthfully, save money and enjoy delicious meals together!

www.smartmoneychicks.com and www.foodnetwork.com are great places to find money-saving tips and easy recipes for your next home-cooked meal!

Ryan
Litts

about author

Ryan Litts is the Creative Director of Tucson Move and Athens Move Magazine. He lives and enjoys life with his wife and two children in Athens, GA. He IS Cool.