Budget Thoughts |
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If you are watching your food budget, you can cut down on the cost of groceries without cutting out good nutrition. Become a comparison shopper. For example, compare canned fruits and vegetables with fresh and frozen items to see which is the most economical in term of cost per serving. You may find that canned items-cost less. And when considering cost per. saving or per unit, compare foods in various, size packages. If buying in quantity, consider storage spate—shelf, freezer, and refrigerator. It's not a bargain if part of the item is discarded. So, make sure that leftovers are planned into other meals. Cost per serving is especially important with a high-ticket item such as meat. The cheapest price per pound is not always the best meat buy, because you may get fewer servings due to more fat and bone, depending on the cut. Besides figuring cost per serving to cut down on your meat costs, you might plan smaller portions. Remember, two to three ounces of cooked meat is a nutritionally adequate serving. To make a serving of meat seem like more, prepare it in casseroles and stews. Also, vary the diet by including meatless main dishes in your menus.Stick to a shopping list fist and avoid impulse purchases. However, keep your eyes open for useful unadvertised specials. Plan to buy fruits and vegetable in season and items sold at lower prices during peak periods of the normal production cycle. |
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