A Balanced Budget

Feeding Your Family Frugally

By Cheryl Loux

Your children are hooked. The lure of fun, artificial colors, sugary tastes and the promise of greasy fats and carbohydrates reel them in. Temptation calls to your children as you hightail it past the snack aisle, the cereal aisle, the candy aisle. You know your family cannot maintain a healthy lifestyle if you are feeding them these types of foods. As a parent on a budget, you know there must be other cheaper and healthier alternatives. So how do you win the battle of preparing simple, healthy meals for your family while on a budget?

"Feeding a family tasty, home-cooked meals on a budget can be challenging, but it can be done," says Michelle Jones, publishing editor of BetterBudgeting.com and author of the ebook, Dealing With Debt.

Fast food may seem like the cheaper way to go for parents on a tight budget, but it really isn't. Nor is it very healthy. Surprisingly, healthy foods can be less expensive than some junk foods. Making simple changes can not only trim the amount of money spent on food, but become healthier alternatives your family will enjoy.

"A bag of apples can cost less than a container of ice cream," says Jones. "It just takes time for kids and their parents to adjust to a healthier way of eating." Jones also suggests switching to more filling, whole-grain breads and drinking water instead of sodas. These simple steps can save you a few dollars each week.

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