How to Save Half on Grocery Costs & Still Eat Healthy

Most people would say yes when asked if the costs of eating healthy are too expensive. But did you know that most households throw out almost 40% of the groceries they buy each week? If you want to save half or more on your monthly food costs then I've got good news. You can save a bunch and eat nutritious and healthy foods if you just follow a few guidelines. Eating healthy doesn't have to break the bank if you try these simple techniques.
Eat Healthy and Save Money: First and foremost, make a plan!
Don't get all worried about planning it perfectly all alone. Sit down with your family once a week and plan a menu. Let each person pick something they like. Then, depending on what you'd like to eat make a list of all the ingredients you'll need for those meals. Many times you can make one recipe and get 3 or 4 dinners out of it. Like making Italian sauce (a marinara or a Bolognese) and use it for spaghetti one night, chicken parmesean another night and lasagna later in the week. Or roasting a turkey or chicken and make tacos, chicken salad, chicken soup, (or turkey), or curried chicken and rice. There are thousands of recipes online for interesting and new ways to use chicken and turkey as well as beef, pork and fish.
Eat Healthy and Save Money: Cook at home!
Instead of ordering take out (which is mostly bad for you anyway and is the reason most Americans are generally overweight) try cooking more at home. And get the kids involved, that way, they can feel like they are an important part of the family while learning something new. Let them wash the vegetables or help prepare them, and while they're at it you can teach them something about that vegetable. It could be a fun way to connect and to save prep time in the kitchen while helping them to grow into independent adults. Learning to cook for yourself (and others) can be a wonderful experience and give them a sense of accomplishment. Check the labels of what you are buying and make sure you can pronounce all of the ingredients. If you can't, then you probably shouldn't eat it.
Eat Healthy and Save Money: Cut back on eating out and snacking in between meals.
Going out for dinner and buying groceries that end up going bad and being tossed out is spending double of what you would if you just planned a little bit and ate at home together. Snacking just adds extra pounds anyway, unless that is, you are one of the rarities who only nibbles on veges or fruit instead of candy, chips and sodas. When planning meals, and prepping for the week, cut up a few extra carrots, celery or whatever veges you like and put them in little snack packs to take with you if you get the urge. And instead of eating out for lunch every day, pack your own healthy lunch and you'll save loads of money.
Eat Healthy and Save Money: Grow your own!
Ok, maybe not everyone can grow a fantastic garden, but why not at least try growing your own fresh spices and herbs that you use often, like basil, oregano, thyme, parsley, or if you're feeling adventurous, try tomatoes and some veges that grow well in your location. With a little love and patience, you can grow some really nice additions to your healthy meals and again, get the kids involved, they can learn about sustaining themselves and using the environment to feed them instead of relying on stores, being self-sufficient is worth the time, effort and labor spent in what you save. If you don't have a green thumb you can at least buy locally grown produce. Take a drive around town and check out all the local farmers markets and produce places. Ask them where they get their fruits and vegetables from, you might even make a new friend, seeing them weekly and learn some new tips and tricks for cooking with them.
Eat Healthy and Save Money: Buy in Bulk
It's true that it's mostly cheaper to buy in bulk, ask your friends and family to split costs with you and share the bulk by divvying it out (like a family and friends coop). You might even find other local families who can get together and help their local growers by paying upfront, and sharing in the fruits of the farm, getting tomatoes in season, berries in season, root vegetables in season, etc., etc. This could be a community or family project that saves big money on yearly food costs. By following these simple guidelines, and with a little practice, you'll reap the rewards of saving over half of your food costs and still eat healthier. Plus, you'll probably make some new friends and be closer to your family than you ever were. It's a win-win situation for all, you, your family and friends, and the environment. Be happy and live well!

Tips & Warnings;
when checking your local farmers markets and produce stands, ask them where they get their food, most are happy to tell you
Always use coupons if you can, this can save you more than you think. Check local fliers, Sunday paper and online manufacturers coupons. See resources for some coupon links.
Resources
plan easy meals for busy families
how to plan meals
buy in bulk
easy family recipes
quick and easy family recipes
How to check if your coupons are counterfeit and the Best Coupon Sites updated regularly
Fat Wallet.com (great coupons)
Slick Deals.net