How to Stretch Your Food Budget

Eat more meatless meals.

Meat accounts for the most expense at grocery store visits, so make one or two vegetarian dinners a week to cut costs. Dishes based on pantry staples like rice, whole grains, beans, and legumes are protein-rich, filling, and inexpensive; add seasonal produce for crunch, freshness, and color. A bonus: Research shows eating more plant-based foods may lower your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers.

View Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta Pizza

View Recipe: Wheat Berry Salad with Goat Cheese (pictured)