Try the Debbie Meyer green bags.  They really do keep your produce fresher for much longer.  They used to be sold by infomercial, but I've seen them in my local Target and Walgreens.  They only cost about 10 bucks, and they're reusable.

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I had a question about salad. I know that buying all the fixing yourself and composing the salad is the cheapest way to go.  I find however that the vegetables go bad before I can eat them or I never have enough when I buy smaller quantities.  I have also tried buying the prepackaged salads and they two last in the fridge maybe two days.  Does anyone have any ideas on keeping my veggies and lettuce fresh?

Check to see if your community has a vegatable co op.  They can be as little as 50 bucks a month (if you share with another family).  You can also find meats and grains in some cases.  Buy in bulk if you have room: Sam's Club and Costco.  You can buy a bag of frozen chicken breasts (maybe 20 in the bag) for about $15.  Check for frozen veg. b/c you won't have to worry about fresh foods rotting.  Use your online resources like couponmom.com; Also, if you buy in bulk, bring a friend and split the price and the goodies.  Remember things that go a long way like: soup, pot roast (shred for tacos the next day), etc.  Oh, buy a whole chicken with the gizzards left in (it's less expensive and even if you're like me, and won't eat the gizzards, they make a great flavoring for gravy and stock). 

Also, if you plan your menus for the week and stick to it, you'll find that your shopping won't be as expensive as you think. 

You can get the items you mentioned much cheaper if you shop around. Look at your weekly sales papers and make a list and a menu from the sales items.  this week baby carrots are 1.00 a bag and Nabisco 100 calorie packs are 1/2 off and I have coupons, so I intend to stock up. 

that was a very nice list of items that are healthy, store brands are as good as namebrands, they usually made and pack in the same place and the difference is the label.

eating healthy is very expensive, but we have to do it! try cutting cupons from the paper & I agree sometimes we have 2 use store brands for certain items.  I always look for sales.  I also buy the powder slimfast with skim milk it last a longer and its cheaper.  I love it cause I add fruit & ice and blend it together.  Good luck & don't give up  rmber your health is def worth the $$$$$.  I hope I was able 2 help.

focused

Don't you know it!  We're in a recession, people!  My food is relatively inexpensive.

Here is my shopping list for one week (using name brands, store brands are even cheaper):

• loaf of wheat bread $2.75
• 2 4-pks of tuna $7.40
• lite mayo and mustard $0.50 (because it lasts for ever)
• cheese $3.00
• 2 packs of SF Shakes $16 (without coupons or sales)
• 7 cans green beans (I eat a can a day) $5
• yogurt $5
• fruit $5
• 90 calorie snack packs $3
• baby carrots $3
• bag of salad $4

For a total of about $55.  Not too bad, and if you aren't brand picky, you might only pay $45 or so.

Kim

I am on a mission to lose more than 100 pounds my dr gave me bad new so this is my first day on the diet i can''t afford to eat the way she wants and still feed my family i need idea of things that will be inexpensive for me to have as my sensible meal any help or advice will help thanks