(ARA) – In these tough economic times, every little bit counts when making household budgets stretch. Though money may be tight, there are many simple ways to save by trimming your grocery bill.
Kim Danger, value expert and creator of www.mommysavers.com, offers some tips for how to get the most out of every dollar without sacrificing quality. You may be surprised to learn that saving big is not just about looking for the cheapest items on the shelf — it’s about shopping smart.

As recession takes hold, look for comfort foods, less complicated cooking and a few sprightly innovations
So what are some foods, flavors and culinary trends we’ll see in 2009? Here are several, gleaned from a variety of trend reports:
• Breakfast: If you like eggs at any hour, you’re in luck. Look for more restaurants with all-day breakfast items. Fried or poached eggs on top of dishes (the classic French frisée salad, for example) also will be more popular.
• Asian noodles and soups: With raw-fish prices increasing, noodle bars are becoming the …

If you are a salad person but you want a little more than just lettuce and vegetables, here is a recipe for you. This black bean chicken salad with lime vinaigrette dressing combines healthy black beans, fresh tomatoes, bell peppers, onion, cheese, salad greens, and chicken. This gives you a meal in one dish. You have meat, vegetables, and dairy.
Combine all that with this tasty lime vinaigrette dressing and you add citrus and heart-healthy olive oil. Not only do you have a complete healthy meal, you …

If the word “lunch” has become synonymous with “sandwich”, it’s time to get out of your rut! There are lots of low carb lunch possibilities.
Salads
We’re all familiar with the old fashioned chef salad –cut up cold cuts, cheese, and hard-boiled egg on a green salad (usually iceberg). But meal salads have become much more popular in restaurants and at home, in a variety limited only by the imagination.

Low carb “meal salad” tips:
* Use lots of dark green salad greens, which are much richer in nutrients than the traditional iceberg lettuce.
* …

(ARA) – Food can make you healthier — if you make good choices. It can seem hard to make healthy food choices, particularly if you are on a budget and short on time. But there are some simple steps you can take to help you and your family eat healthier.

Build a Healthier Plate
Use a grocery list when shopping for food to help you choose more fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Buy leaner meats (such as chicken, turkey, and lean cuts of pork or beef such as sirloin or chuck …