Holiday food savings tips- grocery shopping on a budget

It's an expensive time of the year and when you add on the current state of the economy, many of us are looking for ways to cut costs. But at the same time, the holiday season is family time with all the festivities we want to continue to enjoy.

I put this list of helpful ways to tighten up the budget when planning the holiday meals.

• Plan ahead before going to the grocery store. Look at the Sunday paper for the weekly sales. Many grocery stores are offering specials on holiday foods.

• Consider holiday appetizers and finger foods that are made with fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Not only are these healthier for your holiday meal, but they are less expensive than the processed foods such as chips, cakes, and cookies per unit cost.

• Look for fruits and vegetables that are in season. These are less expensive! For other produce, go frozen! Frozen (or canned packed in water or 100% fruit juice) items provide the same nutrients you find in fresh fruits/vegetables. Avoid those packed in sauces.

• Buy store or generic brands. These are often much less expensive than the brand name with equal quality.

• Minimize your meat dishes. Some of your side dishes could be made of other high protein foods such as beans, legumes, eggs and tofu. These are less expensive and very healthy.

• Buy in bulk when it makes sense. Buying large portions of fruits, vegetables, meat, pasta,beans, nuts, and rice that you can divide up for different meals during the holiday will save you money.

• Save those leftovers! You can use these for tomorrow's lunch, or by simply adding a few more ingredients, create another dish for dinner the following evening!