Increasing food and energy costs are becoming a fact of life.
Unless your income goes up are as rapidly as prices, something has to go.
Lots of individuals are having a close look at their spending habits, including the money they pay on food.
Cutting food costs can be tricky, as you don't want to give up your long-term health in the run.
Value meals at fast food restaurants may provide a lot of calories, but may also provide a lot of fat, salt and sugar.
Inexpensive in the short run may be expensive afterwards, if you get nutrition-related illness such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease or cancer.
How can you tighten food spending and still preserve a good diet? Judge your eating habits Make some time think about your weekly routine, if you have one.
If you are in charge of food for your family, include your family's habits.
You might keep a food diary for few days, observing what you ate, where you purchased it and what it cost.
Once you get a good idea of your eating habits, consider about which habits promote good nutrition.
In general, the best diets have an abundance of vegetables and fruits each day (five to 9 servings), lean protein sources (meat, fish, poultry, beans, and eggs), low-fat dairy foods and whole grains.
You can improve your diet by cutting your consumption of foods high in added fats and sugar.
Organize and plan Improving your eating and expenditure habits calls for you to be more intentional about your eating behavior at first.
It takes some time and energy to make good nutrition a priority.
What are two or three changes you could make in your eating and spending habits that would lead to most improvements? Start with changes that won't fell too stressful.
For instance, you might eat better for less by taking your lunch to work.
If you can't face preparing a lunch every day, try planning in advanced for just two or three days.
Finally, these changes turn to habits that need less energy and forethought.
Are there opportunities to tighten empty-calorie (low nutrition) snack foods and beverages? You do not need to rule out every treat, but begin with the convenience foods you grab when you are hungry and busy - things that are full in fats and sugars that you may not inevitably actually love.
What will you take instead? When away from home Before leaving home, reach for the fruit, yogurt, nuts and other healthful snack foods to take along.
Keep them in portion-sized goes for beverages.
Make your own coffee drinks and tea.
Carrying water form home can reduce the need to buy bottled water or other beverages.
When eating out, choose the occasions and restaurants, rather than grabbing food because you haven't planned ahead.
Think about how eating out fits into your budget and healthful lifestyle.
What restaurants in your area offer delicious, nutritious and affordable meals? If portions are large, have leftovers for lunch the next day.
Preparing meals at home If you are short on time, develop a repertoire of meals that are quick and easy, as well as nutritious.
Search the web for ideas, or buy a cookbook with simple recipes featuring healthful foods.
If you like to cook, you already know how much cheaper food prepared at home can be.
When you prepare a meal, save time by making extra for lunch the next day, or portions to freeze.
When shopping, make a list before you shop, and stick to it.
Avoid shopping when hungry or tired.
Stock up on sale items (only the ones on your list), and store or freeze these for late.
But produce in season.
Look for farmers markets and other local food producers.