Budget-Friendly Meals

Shopping on a budget can be difficult, here are some easy meals to get the most for your dollar.

Shopping for an array of ingredients for your weekly menu can be tricky and pricey. To get the most for your money, you should try to buy a variety of both perishable and non-perishable foods, those that will expire earliest should be eaten the fastest. While shopping, try to purchase foods that are nutritious, affordable, and long-lasting.

Tips for each aisle

To maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle, you should incorporate foods from each food group into your diet. Trying to afford this balance, is where many struggle. Here are some tips to save in every aisle.

• Breads & Grains: choose whole grains, look for yesterday's bread on sale, pick brown rice instead of white, and old-fashioned oats without instant varieties.

• Vegetables: purchase fresh vegetables only when they are in season, purchase out-of-season vegetables either frozen or canned - if canned, look for 'no salt' or 'low sodium'.

• Fruits: buying fruits in season will cost less, just like vegetables. Frozen and canned fruits are another alternative that has similar nutritional value. Try not to buy pre-cut fruit as it typically is more expensive.

• Dairy Products: purchase low-fat or fat-free dairy products. Unpasteurized products have a longer shelf life.

• Meat & Beans: dried beans are a good source of fiber and protein. Canned meats in water are other healthy, frugal alternatives. Canned products have a longer shelf life, and can stretch your dollar.

When purchasing food that you eat often, it is cheapest to purchase it in bulk from a wholesale store. Fresh fruits and vegetables are best found at your local farmers market.

Including more whole-grains and vegetables into your meals will help you feel fuller, and eat less. Vegetarian protein sources like beans, grains, dairy, seeds, nuts, and soy products are a great alternative to protein that is cheaper and healthier.