Have you found that eating better can often be more expensive? Are you buying more lean meats? fruits and vegetables? seafood? Is your grocery bill getting higher and your wallet getting lighter? Are you so busy that you're grabbing meals and snacks as you move throughout your day, and you're running to the ATM more often than you'd like? It IS possible to eat well and not spend a lot! This week's e-Well Tip offers suggestions on how to eat a healthier diet without breaking the bank!

BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE
These grocery store specials and other weekly specials can really add up in savings. Although chips, cookies and sugar cereals are always on sale, be choosy and pick items that are nutritious. Look for lean cuts of beef and pork, chicken, cold cuts like turkey, turkey ham or lean roast beef, tomato sauces, fish and shellfish, and whole grain breads. Stock up on various sizes of freezer bags so that you'll be able to safely store your free and bargain purchases until you're ready to prepare them.

EATING "IN"
This doesn't just mean cutting down on the number of times that you go to a nice restaurant for dinner. Think back on the previous week...if your week consisted of trips to the coffee shop for a muffin and coffee, trips to the food court for Chinese food or pizza, and nights spent at your favorite restaurants with friends and family, than you may not only be eating more calories and fat than you think, but you're probably also spending more money than you think. Some simple steps to saving money and eating better include: cutting down on the number of times you go out for dinner, packing a lunch and snacks a few times a week, and making coffee at home before you leave the house.

PUT ON YOUR CHEF'S HAT
Preparing meals from scratch (or close to scratch) is often much healthier than eating prepackaged meals. Although it seems as if boxed, canned or frozen foods are not all that expensive, they begin to add up, and you can save money by preparing meals using fresh ingredients. Time is often a factor, but you may find that you enjoy spending your valuable free time in the kitchen - cooking can be very enjoyable and sometimes therapeutic. You can also share the work by getting your family involved - many children enjoy helping out by being part of meal preparation. Visit the National Institute of Health's website to find lots of free healthy recipes.

BUY IN BULK
Large wholesale food stores like Sam's Club and BJs Wholesale Club carry larger size products and multi-pack items. There is a member's fee for both, but you may find that the savings are worth it. Be sure that you have appropriate storage and refrigerator/freezer space in your apartment, home or dorm room before making any large purchases. And try not to be pulled toward the mega-giant sizes of high-fat and high-sugar snack foods - head towards the aisles stocked with the healthier items!

TRY SOMETHING NEW
Almost all grocery stores carry their own brand of products. Purchase a store brand item that you haven't tried before and see how you like it. Chances are, you'll like it as much as the more expensive name brand product. If you do, you can pick up a few more the next time you're grocery shopping. Everyone's tastes are different. You may still prefer the name brand alternative of some foods, although many people find that they are pleased with store brand foods more often than not.

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