The post-holiday season is the perfect time to incorporate healthier meals into your diet. With a little time and attention, you will be able to eat well while stretching the family budget.

Check the Sunday paper or various Internet sites for valuable coupons. Try to make purchases based on what’s on sale. Look for budget-friendly products that are versatile enough to simply snack on or include as part of a meal such as applesauce, dried raisins, canned mandarin oranges and gelatin. Another dollar-stretcher is incorporating rice or pasta into your menus.

Buying in larger quantities costs a little more up front, but will save you a substantial amount of money over the long run. If you have a big family, buy large boxes of pasta to go along with family-size jars of spaghetti sauce. Don’t overlook generic and store brands for quality and savings.

It’s a misconception that foods without preservatives and antibiotics are expensive. The organic food market has grown by leaps and bounds providing a vast assortment of available items. Check your store shelves for organic brands that are priced for the value-minded (and quality conscious!) shopper.

Preparing more of your meals at home will allow you to better control your food choices. When you dine at a restaurant or grab fast food you have no idea of how much butter or oil has been added to what you are about to eat. If one of the main reasons for take-out is because you’re pressed for time, try cooking over the weekends and refrigerate the portions. You’ll be saving money and calories at the same time.

Instead of grabbing a can of soda, turn to the tap for water. It’s far healthier and doesn’t contain unwanted calories. Many areas have great-tasting tap water, but inexpensive filters are an option if you don’t happen to reside in one of those locations. Juice is another healthy option. It infuses important vitamins and minerals into your diet particularly if you choose low sugar or 100% juice.

Eating healthy and saving money – what better way to start a new year!