Save Even More On Your Groceries by Buying Cheaper Proteins

I am always looking for more ways to save for my family. I must say, I have my grocery bill down to a science. I budget for $50 a week (2 adults & 2 children) and we always have money left. I think we eat pretty darn good for what we spend. However, last month I challenged myself to not spend so much on meats (proteins) while keeping balanced meals. 

Here are 5 changes you can make to save big $$!

1. Eat healthier by serving smaller portions. Remember that one serving of meat is 4 oz (the size of your palm). Serve with filling healthy sides. Stretching your portions will result in saving money and a healthier diet.

2. Eggs are a wonderful source of lean protein! Eggs are my favorite source of protein to cook with. There are so many different ways to cook eggs that you could use them as the main source of protein 2 or 3 nights a week in your dinner and no one would get tired of the same thing. Yes, I said dinner! Here are a few dishes to try, quiche, omelets, (you can pack both of these with cheese and veggies), boiled eggs in a grilled chicken salad, scrambled eggs, egg and cheese biscuits (sometimes we put bacon on them, YUM) or fried egg sandwiches on toast.

3. Buy canned tuna. Canned tuna is such a cheap and healthy source of protein. What I love about tuna is, like eggs, they are very versatile. Many, many different tasty options: tuna burgers, casseroles, tuna salad sandwiches, tuna and cheese melts, soups and even put into salads. Using tuna in a dinner or two a week will result in major savings, especially if you already purchase fresh fish.

4. Don't underestimate the many different uses of beans as well as their health benefits. Beans are another excellent but CHEAP protein. AND they are packed with vitamins and minerals. I know, I know, I say beans, you picture the huge pot of ham & beans mom made that you had to eat for 4 days. There are so many more ways to work this great protein into your meals. Here are a few that I use: old fashioned ham n beans, chili, Old Settler Beans (awesome baked beans that is literally a meal in itself), bean soup, dips, use in salads or refried bean, rice and cheese in a tortilla.

5. Buy bulk cuts of meat and cut up yourself. Buy whole chickens, cut yourself and use every part you can. This takes a little more time, but is well worth the money saved. This also applies to large roasts. They can be cut into steaks, chops, stew meat etc. This is much cheaper than paying the butcher!

Now, I realize people enjoy food and have their favorite foods that they don't want to give up. Trust me, I still work General Tsaos Chicken into our menu once a month. The kids still get there favorite Chicken Fettucine occasionally. However, we were able to cut even MORE money from our grocery budget buy changing 8 meals in a month!

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