Is the high cost of food getting you down? Do you think trimming your food budget means an expanding waistline?

    We are all aware of the bad news that ALL food prices continue to rise. This is especially true for fruits and vegetables - the basics of lower calorie eating.

    Here are some of my favorite ways to stay on track with your diet without breaking the bank: 

    Drink tap water: No bottled water, or other low-calorie drinks. Good for your wallet and the environment.

    Shop seasonally and locally: If it's local, and in-season, the shipping costs are largely reduced, with the savings passed on to you. 

    Look for frozen foods (fruits, veggies, poultry, fish) (without any added sauces): the same nutritional quality as fresh.

    Buy store brands (private labels): These are often produced by the "name brand" companies.

    Be flexible with "in-store" specials: Planning a fish dinner, but chicken breasts are a great buy? Change your menu!

    Purchase foods in bulk from the "Big Box" stores like Sam's Club and Costco. Go in with a friend or two, to save money and reduce spoilage. You might not need 18 pears, but 6 or 9 would be perfect. 

    One BIG money waster: Driving from store to store for all the "best" bargains. You'll spend extra gas money, for small savings, and lose the frequent shopper advantages. Pick one major market, and become a mindful shopper there. Plus, when you get a "store card', you'll get coupons for frequently purchased foods, and other money-saving perks for your loyalty. 

    高的食品价格真的发生了吗？你认为调整你的食品预算就意味着增大腰围吗？

    我们大家都知道全部食品价格继续上涨的坏消息。水果和蔬菜——这些基本的低热量食物更是如此。

    这里是我按部就班保持规定饮食而不影响收支平衡的一些最喜爱的方式：

    1. 喝自来水：不喝瓶装水或其它的低热量饮料。这对你的钱包和环境都有好处。 

    2. 采取季节性地就地购物：如果是就地并且按季节的商品，运费将大大降低，你也能节约一些。 

    3. 寻找冷冻食品（水果、素菜、家禽、鱼）（没有任何附加的酱料）：它们的营养品质和新鲜的一样。 

    4. 购买有商店牌子（私人标签）的货物：它们经常是由“名牌”公司生产的。 

    5. 灵活对待“店内”优惠价：原计划一顿鱼餐，但是鸡胸脯现在是便宜货？就改变你的菜单吧！ 

    6. 从“大盒子”商店（大卖场）如山姆会员店和 Costco 购买批量食品。同一、两个朋友一起去联合购买，这样会省钱并且减少腐坏。你或许不需要 18 个梨，但是 6 个或 9 个可能是很好的。

    一个大大费钱的举动是从一个商店到另一个商店驱车寻找“最好的”便宜货。你将为了小额的节省而花费额外的汽油钱，并且失去在一个店铺频繁购物的优惠。选择一个主要的市场，成为那里的留意购物者。而且，当你得到一个“商店卡'时 ，你会因为经常购买食品得到优惠券，并且因为你的经常光顾得到其它省钱的福利。