If you’ve been guilty of buying processed and junk foods because money was not a concern, you’re probably wondering how you can afford to eat now that the recession and food costs have impacted your wallet. Take heart because you’re about to learn how to not only pay less at the grocery store, but how to do it while eating better! This can create more energy,  more health, and more fun in the kitchen too.

Learn To Cook With Whole Grains And Legumes
Most of the world survives on grains and legumes, and that is because they are healthy and can be combined to make a full protein, similar to meat protein. They are very filling, and the recipes for them are endless and delightful. Maybe the only beans you’ve ever eaten are baked beans, but then you’re missing out on the joys of lima bean soup and refried beans made from scratch. All you have to do is learn to pre-soak the grains to soften before cooking, and then make huge batches for pennies. And, don’t just stick with white rice, there are so many wonderful grains like couscous and brown rice too. The more familiar you are with other options, the wider your choices for dinner.

Adopt A Semi-Vegetarian Diet
American palates really can’t go all vegetarian, and it’s not necessary. Just reducing the amount of meat  can help to keep the flavor in dishes, while decreasing the cost of groceries. Chicken is very versatile and can be an excellent deal when bought whole. If you reduce the need for chicken in any one dish, a whole chicken can be used several times to create three chicken dishes from one bird, by combining it with more vegetables and grains. For example, the first night a whole chicken with rice or potatoes can be served. Leftover chicken can then be use for chicken salad for sandwiches or chicken fajitas with onions, peppers, and tomatoes. Finally, the picked-clean carcass can be used to make a chicken broth soup with more grains and vegetables.

If You Still Want Your Snacks And Desserts
Choose healthier alternatives and check out the store brands, rather than the name brands. Some store brand tortilla chips are just as delicious as name brands and they are healthier too, because they are oven-baked, not fried. Buy popcorn whole and pop it on the stove top. Learn to make your own pies and desserts, using healthier ingredients. Going back to the base food and creating a recipe at home is a frugal way to avoid the high cost of processed and junk foods while creating a healthier lifestyle too!