Being a mom or dad in today's economy can be a challenge.  Parents who already have to micromanage their schedules in order to have enough quality time to spend with their families, now have to be especially mindful of their bank accounts as well.  So it's no surprise that cutbacks, in every area, are being made.  Fortunately, eating healthy, well-planned meals doesn't have to be among them!  Read on for a few helpful tips on how to keep your family eating right without breaking your budget or your schedule.

Here are a few basic changes you can make for no money at all.  In fact, making these changes might even save you money!

- Limit salt and sugar in your diet.

It's safe to say that these are two of everyone's favorite ingredients when it comes to making great tasting dishes.  But, you don't have to use alot to get the flavor you want.  Instead of salting your veggies, why not use a little low sodium vegetable stock to add that salty taste?  Or, rather than dumping large amounts of granulated white sugar into your cookie batter, you could use half the amount of brown sugar for the same rich, sweet results. 

- Take advantage of substitutes.

Often times we will pass up a perfectly good stand in because we are too afraid to try something new!  Take for example, Carob.  Carob powder, bars, chips, and more can be used to substitute chocolate as an ingredient in most desserts.  It looks like chocolate.  It tastes like chocolate.  And, what's even better, it isn't unnatural or man-made.  This and other substitutes are at least worth a try if you really want to help your family eat better, and feel better.

- Eat less junk and drink less alcohol. 

These are two things that the human body could simply do without.  And not only are they generally unhealthy for you and your family, they can be expensive! So, try just limiting your intake and watch your wallet grow and your waistline shrink.     

- Put more water in your diet.

You will be amazed at what a little more water, and a little less soda can do for your body, your budget, and (if you buy one jug or pack of water bottles to be washed and reused) your environment!  Still need another reason to stay hydrated with H2O?  Always having water on hand can eliminate the eating out of boredom bad habits.  Less snacking means fewer pounds and better skin to boot.

- Plan ahead.

Take 5 minutes before you turn out the lights and go to bed to jot down a short shopping list.  Keep it simple.  Write down only what you need without thinking about brands, prices, health, quality, etc.  Then, after the list is finished, go back through and think of replacements, substitutes, and coupons.  Ask yourself what kind of meals you can make with these ingredients, and see if you can find another use for them.  Ingredients that can make multiple, healthy meals are ideal shopping list items.  These are the items you need to buy in bulk, whenever possible.  Other, one time use items need to be reevaluated.  Ask yourself, must you have it?  Is there anything else you can use?  If not, then where can you find it cheaply?  This is when you need to use your coupons.  After a bit of practice, you may even be ready to start planning specific meals that use specific ingredients.  However, don't feel you have to plan every meal in advance.  This takes a bit more time that simply shopping for the basics and putting together tasty, healthy meals. 

- Don't be afraid of canned, frozen, or dried items.  Fresh veggies can be pricey when you need alot of them for a stir fry or soup.  Instead, read the back of the frozen bags and decide which one has the highest quality for the lowest price.  There is no rule that says all fruits and veggies must be fresh from the corner market.  Provided you pay attention to the sodium and fat levels on the packaging, prepackaged fruits and veggies are an excellent way to eat better and save money!

- Use lower quality meats for stews and casseroles.  With so many other ingredients competing for the flavor, there is no need to buy the most expensive cut of steak or pork.  Instead, purchase the lower priced items and trim the fat yourself.

- Make a little more than you need and freeze it!  This tip may or may not save you money, but it will most definitely save you time.  On nights when you are too tired to cook, don't grab fast food!!!  Stay home and heat up your very own frozen t.v. dinner. 

And remember, it isn't the time you spend, or the presentation that matters most.  Quality ingredients (fruits and veggies) are the key to healthy eating, and healthy living! 

This blog post was provided by Stephanie Parker – our blog writer extraordinaire!