Cutting food costs

I love when I get ideas sent to me about what to post! Earlier in the fall I was contacted by a representative for the Florida Department of Citrus about the benefits of Vitamin C, and keeping healthy during the cold and flu season. Recently, I was contacted again with some useful tips I wanted to share with you! They are as follows:With the struggling economy I thought that you might like to know that the Florida Department of Citrus is working with some nutrition experts this year who have some great tips for readers to cope with rising food costs.A few examples include:

• Make a list and stick to it. By taking inventory of the items that you already have you will be able to make a useful list of things that you need to purchase.
• Buy low and sell high. Bargains are usually located on the highest and lowest shelves rather than found in the middle or on the ends of aisles.
• Beware of costly convenience. Pre-cut, pre-packaged fruits and vegetables and meat cost a lot more. Buy the whole versions and cut and package at home
• Think seasonal. Buy fruits and vegetables in season, ideally from a farmers market since locally grown products tend to be fresher and cost saving.
• Get the most bang for your buck. Buy nutrient dense foods that pack a ton of nutrients. A good example of this is frozen concentrated orange juice, which has all the same nutrients as its refrigerated brother, at a lower cost. Plus it can be used in recipes to add flavor and nutrients.
• Make your own coffee. Buying coffee at the grocery and making it at home will save you $4 per day, $120 per month, and $1440 per year! Using artificial sweeteners, skim milk or fat-free creamers will help you save on calorie intake.
• Don’t forget to Freeze. If deals allow you to buy one, get one free, you can plan to use one immediately and freeze the other for later use. Items like bread save for up to 3 months if stored properly.
• Identify dining deals. To attract more customers throughout the week, restaurants often have great dining deals. Eating out during the work week may be cheaper, and just as satisfying, than during the busy Friday and Saturday nights. Focus on choosing healthy foods when eating out.

Expert: Amy Hendel, R-PA, is a popular and recognizable medical and lifestyle reporter, expert, columnist and health host. She has appeared on “The Today Show” several times as a health and lifestyle expert. Her first book Fat Families Thin Families (BenBella Publishers) was released in June 2008.