Due to the need to save both calories and cash during the holiday season, for my first post I would like share a few ways I have found to get more health for less wealth at the grocery store:

1)Use what I call “double duty foods”. These are foods that are long lasting, inexpensive, and can serve a multitude of purposes. Here are a couple of examples:

a) Ronzoni Garden Delight Pasta-I discovered this brand a month ago due to a store sale, and it has completely changed my meal planning process. What is great about this product is that it has a full serving of vegetables in every 4oz serving, and it tastes wonderful! The other great part about this product is that there are always coupons available on their website, so I never pay more than $1 a box. We get at least 2 meals per box, which makes it a great value. Here is a link to Ronzoni’s website, which has both coupons and nutritional information.

b) Spinach- I have found that keeping spinach on hand has been very valuable. It is so versatile, because you can throw it in on or in almost anything thus adding a serving of vegetables. It also lasts longer than romaine or other salad lettuce. I add it to salads, scrambled eggs, sandwiches, pasta or casserole dishes, and homemade pizza. I am not a huge spinach lover, but when added to other things, I rarely notice it, and it packs major nutritional punch.

2)Watch for when canned veggies, whole grain pasta/rice, and frozen fruit goes on sale, and stock up.
Having these items on hand, will make sure you always have healthy options. Non-perishable items often go on sale, so I rarely buy them at full price. Also, watch for salad coupons or salad that goes on clearance right before its expiration date. Although I have not had much luck with dated salad, it’s worth keeping an eye out for.

3)Have a meatless meal at least once a week.
For example, when eggplant was in season, we could get eggplant for .75 cents, and we could make a large pan of eggplant parmesan for less than 2 dollars a meal. You can still get the protein you need by adding other protein rich foods thought out the day. Ideas include: peanut butter, cheese, beans, yogurt, broccoli, humus, and whole grains.

Part 2 coming soon!