We are all trying to save money where we can. We want to be prepared for our retirement or a rainy day. One of the most expensive items in all of our budgets is groceries and food. Many have come to think that it costs more to eat healthy, but this simply not true. With a few adjustments you can actually save money, lose weight, and get healthy. Here are some ways on how to actually do this.

• Buy in bulk. Bulk prices are often cheaper than buying items individually. Some of the best things to buy in bulk are dry whole grains, legumes, and lentils. These foods are very versatile and can be incorporated into many different dishes to add nutrients as well as to stretch portions. This allows you to cook less and eat healthier while saving money.
• Freeze your leftovers. This goes hand in hand with the first tip mentioned. By owning a freezer, you are given the opportunity to buy perishable items such as meat and vegetables  in bulk as well.  These can be used laster for a variety of meals such as stirfrys, soups, and sauces.
• Use cheaper cut meats. If you are a meat eater and want to save even more money, try buying cheaper cut meats. They are a real cost cutter. If you are worried about these cuts being dry, don’t fret. You can tenderize them in a slow cooker or by marinating them.
• Use Tofu. Tofu is an excellent source of protein and quite cheap to buy. It is always cheaper than meat. It is very versatile because it picks up whatever flavours you put it with so you have many different dishes that you can add it to.
• Cook at home. By cooking your meals yourself you are able to control what goes into them, the portions, and the cost. Meals made from scratch are always cheaper than those you would find at a resteraunt or in convenience shops.
• Use fresh veggies and whole foods. These are better for you because they contain less preservatives and less calories.
• Make extra servings. If you prepare meals for your family, consider making a double batch. This way you can freeze half of what you cook and use it another day when you are in a hurry. Not only does this cut down on how often you need to buy groceries but it also ensures you eat healthy on the go by limiting portions, calories, and money since you won’t be tempted by takeout.
• Use your flyers. Searching for savings can make a big difference to your food budget. When you go shopping, always make healthy foods like olive oil, broth, and beans a priority when they are discounted. Use the extra money you would have spent on junk to stock up on healthy items that are on sale.
• Buy generic. Buying generic items at the store can cut your costs significantly without compromising on taste. Sometimes you might need to experiment a bit but you can usually always find a generic version that does the trick. Most generic items are identical to brand name items when it comes to taste and quality.

I hope this list has given you an idea of some ways you can trim your grocery budget and trim your calories. My husband and I practice all of these regularly and we can honestly say we are richer in health and in money.