Simple ways to cut calories and save money

Rising prices on food cause consumers to look for deals and cut grocery budgetsCredit: ckforic/stock.xchng, ckforic/stock.xchng

While going out to eat may seem like a simple, convenient option, it's not too good for your diet or financial situation. I am guilty of choosing the so-called convenience of dining out over eating at home, but recently I've had a change of heart. While trying to watch what I eat and sticking to a healthy eating plan, I realized that eating at home is obviously cheaper, and often healthier, than going out to eat. Sure, dining out occasionally is fun and allows you to celebrate special occasions, but if you are trying to lose weight or save money, eating at home is the way to go.

It's usually not possible to spend an endless amount of money at the grocery store, but that doesn't mean you have to sustain yourself on dried noodle soups or frozen dinners. With the craze of shows like "Extreme Couponing," I've learned some simple techniques to save some money on groceries while still enjoying what I make at home. Here are some easy ways you can eat healthy, and not go overboard on the budget:

Eat Before You Go

One important rule to grocery shopping - never head into the store on an empty stomach. Shopping while you're hungry causes you to want everything in sight, even if you hadn't thought about adding it to the list. Eat a snack before you leave, such as an apple and string cheese, to curb hunger as you walk up and down the aisles.

Make a List

A shopping list allows you to stay focused on what you need, and avoid those sugary temptations around every corner. If you're on a budget, make a shopping list based on the weekly circular set out by the grocery store. This will help you see items that are on sale, in addition to available seasonal fruits and vegetables. By simply using the circular to help plan weekly menus, I've been able to shave about 20 percent off of my normal grocery bill each week. If you're trying to save time creating a shopping list, check out resources such as Grocery Wiz, Zip List or Dinner Tool to compile the things you need so you're not tempted with other grocery items. Dinner Tool also helps you create a weekly menu, making shopping and meal planning even easier.

Seasonal Shopping

Each season, various fruits and vegetables are showcased and even on sale in the grocery store. Try out fruits and vegetables you've never had to see if you enjoy them, and then incorporate them into weekly menu plans. Fruits and vegetables are delicious snacks, and contain many vitamins, minerals and antioxidants necessary for healthy living. If you don't know what's in season, or want to plan ahead for canning or preserving, check out WiseBread, which has a list of all the fruits and vegetables available in a particular season.

Plan a Menu

Love going out for Mexican food every Thursday night? To save a few dollars, think about putting together an easy menu to cook at home. There are countless recipes and food blogs on the Internet, so finding your favorite foods is simple. While you may think it's cheaper to go out to eat after you buy all the ingredients, remember that the total cost of the ingredients needs to be divided into each plate, then into any leftover dishes. This can often translate into dishes under $5 per person, while the same dish at a restaurant will cost $20. When I need inspiration, I check out websites such as Food Network, The Pioneer Woman, and Tasty Kitchen.

Another perk of cooking your favorite foods at home? You control the calorie content. Restaurants add oil and butter to most dishes, raising the total calorie and fat content. Huge portion sizes also increase the amount of calories you eat, leading to weight gain.

Shop Wholesale

If there are certain ingredients you use over and over, try purchasing them wholesale. The trick to making sure you get a good deal at your favorite wholesale store is to compare each unit price against the price at the grocery store. While not everything at a wholesale store equals savings, some items purchased in bulk save you time and money.

Shopping for groceries doesn't have to be painful. Eating at home gives you creative freedom to try new foods or create your own recipes. Once you start eating at home, don't be surprised with the drop at the scale or a few extra dollars in your wallet.