Grocery Budgeting - Save Money on Groceries - Make Meat Stretch Farther

Meat is one of the priciest items on your weekly grocery shopping list. So, make it stretch farther by using smaller amounts of it - or having at least a few meals a week without meat at all! You can substitute lentils or beans instead, which are a healthy source of protein without saturated fats.

To stretch your meat further, try these options:

• Buy one piece of meat, and cut it into small pieces for use in casserole, stir fries or other dishes
• Have smaller portions of meat, and make sure to fill your plate up with healthy veggies and whole grains such as whole grain pastas or brown rice
• Ground meats such as chicken or beef are excellent in soups, stews, casseroles and other main dishes.
• Add substance to a smaller amount of ground meat by adding cooked lentils. They're really tasty, and when added to beef they just seem 'meaty'!