Our delightful mini lasagna cups are Kid-friendly, bite-sized, and bursting with flavor. Perfect family meal! Discover fascinating fun facts about kiwi fruits while indulging in a delightful kiwi recipe.

Get ready to be amazed! Let's dig into the differences of MyPlate vs MyPyramid and learn how we can improve our diet in simple healthy ways. Celebrate love and well-being with our healthy Valentine recipes. Elevate romance with nutrient-packed delights for a memorable and delicious celebration.

Learn how to combat dehydration with our Homemade Electrolyte Drink recipe. Simple, natural, and effective. Stay hydrated the DIY way! Fuel your day with our nutritious twist on Huevos Rancheros Tacos—a flavorful, protein-packed breakfast delight! Are your hands full with summer squash?

Grilling it is a fantastic way to use it! Join us as we learn all about grilling summer squash. Embark on a quinoa adventure: discover nutritional facts, locate it in grocery stores, and unravel its versatile charm. Utah State University sites use cookies.

By continuing to use this site you accept our privacy and cookie policy. I agree. Close Open search. Close Quick Links. Eating Healthy on a Budget: The Ultimate Guide to Frugal Meal Planning Frugal meal planning is one of the best ways to save money on your grocery budget.

Let's dive in! Define Meal Planning So what is meal planning? Meal planning helps you save time, money, and make healthier eating choices.

Types of Meal Planning There are a variety of types of meal planning. Here are just a few to think about: Weekly Meal Planning: Deciding what to eat for the week ahead. Batch Cooking: Making multiple servings at once for future meals.

Meal Prepping: Getting ingredients ready in advance for quicker cooking. Freezer Cooking: Preparing and freezing meals for later. Once-a-Month Cooking: Cooking a month's worth of meals in a day.

Budget Meal Planning: Planning meals to save money. Emergency Meal Planning: Preparing for unexpected situations. Meal Planning Guidelines and Principles Use MyPlate food groups: Include a mix of protein, vegetables, fruit, dairy, and grains for a well-rounded meal. Variety is Key: Rotate different foods to ensure you get a range of nutrients.

Plan Ahead: Decide your meals in advance to avoid last-minute unhealthy choices. Use a Shopping List: Create a list based on your meal plan to avoid impulse buying.

Minimize Processed Foods: Focus on whole, unprocessed ingredients. Cook in Batches: Prepare extra portions for leftovers to save time and reduce waste. Look at your Calendar: When menu planning, adjust your plan as needed to accommodate changing schedules or unexpected events.

Plan easy meals on busy days. Learn Basic Cooking Skills: Simple cooking techniques can make meal preparation easier. Keep this list in sight, and cross off items as you go!

Setting aside minutes each week to plan for meals and snacks that help you get through the day can go a long way for your energy level, concentration — and budget! Using less processed ingredients such as roasting a whole chicken vs.

pre-cut chicken pieces, or slicing your own vegetables vs. buying pre-chopped veggies can provide cost savings. However, if you plan to cook from scratch and some ingredients end up sitting in your refrigerator or pantry and spoiling, this can also feel like money wasted.

Before you hit the grocery store, determine which ingredients you are more likely to cook from scratch, and which convenience products are worth the extra dollars in order to ease the process of cooking.

Get creative to reduce food waste! Buy ingredients that can be used in multiple meals throughout the week. Think about your time.

Plan to use leftovers. Make larger meals with enough servings for leftovers. On busy days, just heat and serve. Make a grocery list. Build your shopping list as you go. Buy a mix of fresh, frozen, and self-stable items. Save More at the Store Ask around.

Ask friends, family, or post a question on social media to see where others shop and find great bargains! Grocery stores, specialty food markets, dollar stores, retail supercenters, and wholesale clubs may offer good deals. Read the sales flyer. Eat before you shop.

Grocery shopping while hungry can lead to impulse buying and unhealthy food choices. This is a simple, yet effective way to keep you on task. Most stores offer a free loyalty program. Get special offers, coupons, and discounts for being a member. Get fresh produce delivered to your door.

Search online for low-cost produce delivery services in your area.