Plan, Purchase & Prepare

Know the three P's: Plan, Purchase and Prepare
Practice these P’s to make tasty, good-for-you meals that are pocketbook friendly.
Plan:

• Plan meals and snacks for the week around a set budget.
• Find quick and easy recipes in the MyKitchen section of yumpower.com.
  
• Include meals that will "stretch" expensive food items (stews, casseroles, stir-fried dishes).
• Make a grocery list.
• Check for sales and coupons in the local paper or online and consider discount stores.

Purchase:

• Buy groceries when you’re not hungry and not too rushed on time.
• Stick to your list and avoid aisles that don’t contain items on your list.
• Buy store brands if cheaper.
• Find and compare unit prices listed on shelves to get the best price.
• Purchase some items in bulk or as family packs which usually cost less.
• Choose fresh, in-season fruits and vegetables and canned vegetables with less salt.
• Pre-cut fruits and vegetables, individual cups of yogurt and instant rice and hot cereal are convenient but usually cost more than those that require a bit more prep time.
• Good low-cost items available all year include: Protein — beans (garbanzo, black, cannellini); vegetables — carrots, greens, potatoes; and fruit — apples, bananas

Prepare:

• Some meal items can be prepared in advance; pre-cook on days when you have time.
  
• Double or triple up on recipes and freeze meal-sized containers of soups and casseroles or divide into individual portions.
• Try a few meatless meals by substituting with beans and peas or try "no-cook" meals like salads.
• Incorporate leftovers into another meal.
• Be creative with fruits and vegetables and use them in different ways during the week.

YUMPOWER RECIPES