Tuesday, January 14, 2014

HEALTHY EATING for less TIPS

Get your vitamins on a plate

Vitamin supplements have a place in keeping you healthy, but you may be able to save a little money be fulfilling some of your family's vitamin requirements from the food on your plates instead of in a pill.  For instance, to get the 1,000 to 1,500 milligrams of calcium your body craves each day, work not only milk, yogurt and cheese into your daily diet, but also dark, leafy greens like kale, broccoli, collard greens and mustard as well as almonds, sesame seeds and beans.  Vitamin D is required to aid in the calcium's absorption by consuming fatty fishes like tuna and salmon or looking for vitamin D-enriched foods.


Monday, January 13, 2014

HEALTHY EATING for less Tips

Don't Change Your Protein

Protein is often the toughest item to fit into a shrinking food budget, because most protein sources are pricey. Chicken, of course, can often be a wallet-friendly choice, but also one that can start to feel uninspired.  But we think you could serve chicken every night without getting bored, if you just take the time to search out some fun and interesting recipes.  Our motto:  buzzard doesn't have to be boring.  This goes for any protein that you get at a great price.  Don't be afraid to buy in bulk, then freeze, and get creative - use it for soups, stews, sandwiches and more.


Friday, January 10, 2014

HEALTHY EATING for less TIPS

Branch out in produce

The cost of some fresh produce can seem high, but if you do a little detective work you can always find items that are priced reasonably during each season. That is, if you don't overlook the fruits and veggies you don't normally buy.  For instance, during the winter, root vegetables tend to be priced to move, but they may not be the first veggie you think to meal plan around.  It's worth the time to do a few Web searches for recipes and the 411 on each seasons' bargain foods.


Healthy Eating for less TIPS

Eat locally...to save green

Being a locavore isn't just for gourmands.  It's a money-saver.  Eating local can not only improve your family's diet, but also your bottom line.  The idea of locavore living is to eat produce, dairy and meats produced within 100 miles of your home.  You can harness the money-saving aspects of this way of eating by:  1) shopping for what's in season, 2) joining a food co-op, 3) watching for bumper crops each season, then bargaining on those fruits and veggies at the farm stand and 4) canning and pickling what you can't yet use, but know your family will consume in the coming seasons.


Healthy Eating for Less TIPS

Stockpile the five best, low-cost, healthy foods

It may seem like the least expensive options in the grocery store are also the least nutritious, but there are actually some big-value powerhouse foods that are healthy for you and your family and easy to work into your meal plan.  These five foods fit into even the tiniest grocery budgets and are very versatile.  Frozen vegetables.  These still tasty alternatives to fresh can cost less than 30 cents per serving, and are packed and flash frozen at the peak of ripeness, meaning you're still getting perfect produce.  Dried beans.  At 13 cents per serving, dried beans should find a spot in almost every meal.  Oatmeal.  For around 12 cents per serving, old fashioned oatmeal is great for you, and your wallet.  And we've seen it served for dinner, to great reviews.  Brown rice.  For less than 16 cents per serving, think about subbing this savory staple in for pasta in some meals.  Whole wheat pasta.  Whole wheat pasta (and other whole grain foods) have been found to significantly lower ones' risk of developing type 2 diabetes, lessen chronic pain, and promote gastrointestinal health.  For 20 cents per serving you just can't go wrong.

Thursday, January 9, 2014

You Hold the Power this Very Minute

Join the national  "Be A Hero Campaign".  Donate to help protect more children in our communities across the country.  Add your voice to the national movement committed to protecting children.

Everyone has the power - become involved and donate at missing kids.com

Be a superhero today.

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

PACKING 101

What kind of packer are you?  If you tend to wait until the last minute and throw anything into your luggage, this is for you.  Here are a few packing tips to help you become an expert packer.

Check the weather.  Make sure you're prepared for whatever Mother Nature has in store for your trip.  You might want to invest in a small umbrella and pack your raincoat if rain is on the horizon.  A shawl or wrap is always a good idea for the flight and any chilly moments on your trip.

Make a list.  Packing is way too important a task to leave to your memory alone.  A list helps you organize everything you'll need in one place.  It's easy to add items as you go and checking items off your list gives you a mighty sense of accomplishment.

Limit shoes.  How many pairs of shoes are you really going to need on your trip?  A comfy pair of slip-on sneakers or shoes paired with socks is perfect for travelling - they're easy to take off and put on at security checkpoints and they are great for sight-seeing.  If you have dress-up occasions, pack a pair of basic neutral pumps.  They go great with everything.

Watch your weight.  Well, not your weight - your luggage's weight.  With airlines charging for bags, it's possible, and entirely likely that you could be charged an extra fee for your over-stuffed bag.  Be sure to weigh it before you go.  Try to avoid packing jeans - wear them instead - since they are one of the heaviest articles of clothing.