With the rise of food prices, feeding a family of four or more is hard enough.
Trying to find a way to cook healthy meals and give them healthy snacks is practically impossible on a budget.
It doesn't have to be, all it takes is some planning and flexibility.
The key is to buy what is on SALE.
This is where the weekly grocery store ad comes in.
Look through every department and circle what you plan on purchasing.
The best thing is to start with the produce department, then meat and seafood, with these two departments, you can plan an entire meal.
Next browse through the grocery department and circle any sides, snacks, etc.
that are on special.
The best snacks are the ones that can go a long way, for example; instead of purchasing the pre-packaged crackers with peanut butter, buy a jar of peanut butter and a box of unsalted store brand saltines and have the kids make their own.
Vegetable and cheese trays don't have to be strictly for parties any more.
Carrots and celery are still affordable and when put on a plate with a bowl of store brand low fat ranch dressing, it makes a healthy snack for the entire family.
Cheese and fruit plates and cheese and cracker plates are also a healthy way to snack.
Chicken and Turkey are also affordable and full of protein and there are many different ways to prepare both.
For the times when perhaps beef has not been able to fit in the family budget and all that has been affordable has been turkey and chicken, make sure you spread the days that you prepare your turkey and chicken meals apart.
The best thing is to have one day set aside for soup and sandwich night.
There are many different ingredients that you can add to chicken broth that make a delicious and filling soup, and along with a grilled cheese or bologna sandwich, it can make a great meal.
Don't forget that pasta can also make a great meal.
Whole wheat pasta is healthy and filling.
I recommend buying the canned spaghetti sauce, it is cheaper and adding a touch of garlic, oregano, and either ground turkey or turkey sausage will give it that made from scratch taste.
This along with a salad or any vegetable makes a great meal that can feed the entire family.
The healthiest thing you can do for your family, is make sure that they eat a good breakfast before leaving the house.
Oatmeal and whole cereals with fruit or toast are the best.
Eggs are also good because they have the protein that children and parents need to make it through the morning.
All of these don't have to cost a lot and can fit into the budget.
Buy store brand minute oatmeal and make it yourself in a pot with brown sugar and cinnamon.
An egg sandwich is also a good way to start the day.
Preparing healthy meals for your family does take planning, time and flexibility, but in a time when food prices are high, families are on a budget and eating healthy is important, it is worth it.
Trying to find a way to cook healthy meals and give them healthy snacks is practically impossible on a budget.
It doesn't have to be, all it takes is some planning and flexibility.
The key is to buy what is on SALE.
This is where the weekly grocery store ad comes in.
Look through every department and circle what you plan on purchasing.
The best thing is to start with the produce department, then meat and seafood, with these two departments, you can plan an entire meal.
Next browse through the grocery department and circle any sides, snacks, etc.
that are on special.
The best snacks are the ones that can go a long way, for example; instead of purchasing the pre-packaged crackers with peanut butter, buy a jar of peanut butter and a box of unsalted store brand saltines and have the kids make their own.
Vegetable and cheese trays don't have to be strictly for parties any more.
Carrots and celery are still affordable and when put on a plate with a bowl of store brand low fat ranch dressing, it makes a healthy snack for the entire family.
Cheese and fruit plates and cheese and cracker plates are also a healthy way to snack.
Chicken and Turkey are also affordable and full of protein and there are many different ways to prepare both.
For the times when perhaps beef has not been able to fit in the family budget and all that has been affordable has been turkey and chicken, make sure you spread the days that you prepare your turkey and chicken meals apart.
The best thing is to have one day set aside for soup and sandwich night.
There are many different ingredients that you can add to chicken broth that make a delicious and filling soup, and along with a grilled cheese or bologna sandwich, it can make a great meal.
Don't forget that pasta can also make a great meal.
Whole wheat pasta is healthy and filling.
I recommend buying the canned spaghetti sauce, it is cheaper and adding a touch of garlic, oregano, and either ground turkey or turkey sausage will give it that made from scratch taste.
This along with a salad or any vegetable makes a great meal that can feed the entire family.
The healthiest thing you can do for your family, is make sure that they eat a good breakfast before leaving the house.
Oatmeal and whole cereals with fruit or toast are the best.
Eggs are also good because they have the protein that children and parents need to make it through the morning.
All of these don't have to cost a lot and can fit into the budget.
Buy store brand minute oatmeal and make it yourself in a pot with brown sugar and cinnamon.
An egg sandwich is also a good way to start the day.
Preparing healthy meals for your family does take planning, time and flexibility, but in a time when food prices are high, families are on a budget and eating healthy is important, it is worth it.
Source...