Easy, Healthy, Economical Choices When Grocery Shopping!

Like many, my family has been more conscious about each and every penny we spend these days!
When talking saving on groceries I have found that many of the less expensive foods are far less healthy, often loaded with, fat, sugar, carbs, or calories! I am trying to eat healthier and lose weight! So exchanging healthy for cost just doesn't work for me or my family! Here are some changes that we have made that are either cost effective, healthy or both! (I am no expert, by the way, so these are my opinions!)

We have switched to ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef. Most of it, I have found, is 90%-93% fat free and less expensive than ground beef with the same fat content! There are two types of ground turkey. The Italian seasoned ground turkey, I think, tastes more like sausage so if you want a more beef-like taste opt for the regular or natural ground turkey. Depending on how you are using it season with Worstershire sauce, steak seasoning, or your favorite BBQ sauce! (Our favorite BBQ sauce? Sweet Baby Ray's Original!)

Instead of using fattening oils opt for a cooking spray. They are usually low fat or fat free! A store brand will only cost about $3.

Olivio Butter Spray is amazing! All of my girlfriends use this, too! It cost $3 and is often on sale for less! I am not sure how but this indulgent tasting butter substitute is fat free! Yes, you heard me right, I said FAT FREE! I don't understand it but I love it!

In the frozen section, with the burgers and meatball generally, look for the big bag of Village Market, or Tyson Chichen Tenders! They are anywhere from $6.99-10.99 depending on the sale du jour! They are NOT breaded or cooked! They are great to have in the freezer when you want to have a salad, stir fry etc... Just defrost a few pieces, cook and your done! I am not big on frozen foods fan but have been really happy with these! We always have a bag in the freezer and it last a long time!I suggest the tenders because the breasts are big and with the smaller pieces, which are still big if you ask me, you have more control over how much you use!

I used to buy the fancy pasta sauces because they were generally lower in calories, fat, and carbs. Well, my friends for $1 (most of the time) Hunts has a 26 oz. can of pasta sauce in a variety of flavors! It is delicious, inexpensive and a healthy choice! We get their "no sugar added" one when they aren't sold out of it!

Love pesto? Okay, so do I but holy Toledo! Have you ever looked at the fat/calories in pesto? It is so fattening! Just buy a healthy bunch of basil and use it liberally in place of pesto in any recipes that you would generally use it in! Basil is great cooked or uncooked in sauces, on pizza, in salads, on chicken or fish! Try bruchetta or fresh tomato on French bread with a basil leaf...yum!

Eggs! They are extra-affordable these days and could there be a more versatile food than eggs? Really! The uses are endless! A must-have in our house! Fry one with a fat-free oil spray. Scramble them, make a breakfast sandwich, use them in ample recipes! We boil them and have them as a snack and in salads! Having a few people over? Make deviled eggs! Easy, healthy (in moderation)and inexpensive!

Speaking of a breakfast sandwich Check out the Freihofer outlets when buying bread, bagels ad English muffins etc.! Their prices are incredible! They have all of the name brands including the double fiber and Weight Watcher varieties! The expiration dates are often sooner so do be aware of that. Seriously, though...go there!

Now with all that talk about begals and breakfast sandwiches let's talk coffee! For those of you who perfer strong, bold, dark coffee such as Starbucks French Roast changing might seem impossible! BUT we found a coffee that is satisfying and under $3 for just shy of a pound! Cafe Goya Expresso can be found in the ethnic aisle with all of the Goya products at Shaw's or Save-a-lot groceries stores!
Oh, while you are in that aisle look for the big, red variety box of the old-fashioned looking cookies! A perfect gift for under $3! (ecspecially when visiting any older relitive! Really! check it out and then tell me your grandma wouldn't just think you were the best darn grandchild on earth if you gave her that! Best bang for your buck, I say!:)

Spaghetti squash...I love it but, geesh, that little guy can be pricey! Watch for it to be on sale! It is such a delicious, healthy alternative to pasta! How do you cook it, you ask? We cut it length wise, scoop out the innards and seeds with an ice cream scoop and place cut side down in a casserole or other microwavable dish. Add about 2 cups of water, cut a few slits in the flesh, cover and cook in the microwave on high for 10-14 minutes. Let cool enough to handle. With a fork, scrape out the squash lengthwise into a strainer and cover with a paper towel to absorb excess water. Add your favorite sauce, turkey meatballs, grilled chicken or fish! Enjoy!

Corn on the Cob is here! And it is delicious and just $1 for two ears! I used to always overcook my corn! Well those days are gone! I finally know how to cook perfect corn on the cob and I will share it with you! Boil water, add 2 T of Sugar, yup sugar, if you don't believe me ask Martha, cook corn for just 7-10 minutes drain, spray with Olivio Butter, S&P to tast and Enjoy!

Lastly shop at your local farms and stands for all of your fresh vegetables, herbs and fruit! My favorite is Jordan's Farm in Cape Elizabeth. Always buy local when available at the grocery stores, too! You'll be eating healthy foods in their prime and helping local agriculture as well as their growers! Don't forget Farmers Markets are now open in many towns! In Portland you can find it on Wed. at Monument Square and Sat. mornings until noonish at Deering oaks! (Bring a basket! You'll need it!)
There are my tips folks! I’d be happy to hear yours~