Today, we're all looking for ways to keep our budget in check. Here are some ways to eat healthy and stretch your food dollars:

1. Shop the sales. Shop what’s on sale or in season—whether it’s fresh produce, poultry, fish or local foods. Build your weekly menu around good deals advertised in grocery ads—but skip foods you don’t normally buy or ones that you won’t use.
2. Go meatless. Meat can be the most costly part of a meal. Instead, serve up beans, tofu, and whole grains for a budget source of protein. Add in some fruits, veggies or salad and round out the rainbow of nutrients.
3. Can it. Choose canned or frozen veggies over fresh to keep foods bills in check. Stock up when your favorites are on sale—and rotate foods you store so the first in is the first out. Then, there's no waste if you forgot about it!
4. Economize. Buy family packs if you use that amount. It makes sense to buy big and save, if you have storage space or can share—especially for paper goods or items that keep on shelves for a long time.
5. Chill out. Dilute drinks such as lemonade or fruit juices with sparkling mineral water and a twist of lime. Better yet, drink tap water and save more calories and cents.