Spending smart by eating less

I learned recently of a very useful Web site maintained by Peggy Martin RD, MS through Iowa State Extension titled Spend Smart. Eat Smart.

Check it out at www.extension.iastate.edu/foodsavings.

You may befriend them on Facebook and find them on Twitter.

I have written columns on thrifty shopping and discussed the topic innumerable times with individuals.

This site is the epitome of my discussions.

It covers planning to shop, shopping the store and preparing meals.

Each week a topic is featured such as “What can you buy for $6” and “What’s the Most Expensive Protein?”

“What can you buy for $6” showed pictures of fruits and veggies and their costs.

“What’s the Most Expensive Protein?” discussed comparing products.

You might be surprised to learn that salmon is less expensive than hot dogs when you compare the protein quantity and quality. There are recipes and video food demos.

Under Planning to Shop you will find: Figure your Food Dollar, which will calculate how much groceries should cost you based on information you enter, along with these other links Meal Planning and shopping tips (make a list, when to shop, where to buy).

Under Shopping the Store, the following links are offered: Smart Shopping which features a game to test your shopping skills, Convenience Foods, Reading Labels, Unit Pricing, and Aisle by Aisle which all provide very practical tips.

And the third section, Preparing Meals, contains the following links: Fast Food for Families includes an activity to assist you in thinking about balancing food, money and time when you are in a hurry, food at home, eating out, recipes and snacks, after shopping and Leftovers and Food waste which offers a wealth of information.

In addition to all I have listed, there are related resources and miscellaneous links, a blog and, on the home page, a place to sign-up to receive quick tips via e-mail.

Take a few minutes and visit this Web site and tell others about it.

If you do not have internet access, stop by the library to use a computer.

In today’s financial atmosphere, we are all looking to save a buck and it is important to stay informed on nutrition and wellness. This Web site Spend Smart, Eat Less covers it.