When you know what you're going to eat ahead of time, you avoid impulsive high-fat, high-calorie food selections. Try to plan weekly menus (including meals and snacks) on the weekend, and shop for the ingredients you'll need. This will make weekday mealtimes a lot less hectic.

You would be surprised at how much making a grocery list can help you stay on track, and save you money! Make sure your list includes all of the food groups; start with your protein, then produce, and then complex carbohydrates. Plan to make dinners in bigger portions, so you have leftovers for a quick and easy lunch the next day. Don’t like leftovers? Freeze them for a later date. Make sure to pick up quick sources of “grab and go” high protein snacks; some examples might include your protein powder, protein bars, nuts/seeds, string cheese, yogurt, and more!

Eating healthy does not have to be more expensive! Here are some money saving tips for your next grocery haul.

Make a list: And stick to it!

Protein: Meat can be expensive. When shopping for meat, don’t be afraid to shop the sales. If buying in bulk, which can be cheaper, freeze whatever you won’t use that week to save for later. Look for inexpensive sources of protein such as beans, lentils, canned/pouch tuna, peanut butter, and eggs.

Produce: Buy your fruits and vegetables in its raw form. If it’s pre-packaged, you’ll pay for the convenience! For example, instead of buying the pre-cut baby carrots, buy the full-sized carrots and cut them yourself. A little extra work at home will save you a lot of money at the store.  Also, opt for produce that is in season. If your favorites are out of season, opt for its frozen version with no added ingredients, which is just as nutritious as fresh.

Carbohydrates: Look for 100% whole wheat or whole grain; it’s typically the same price as it’s white counter-parts but is packed with more fiber to keep you fuller longer.

Hydration: Skip the bottled water. Instead, invest in a good reusable water bottle and a water-filtration pitcher to save money and plastic waste in the long run.

Buy Generic Brands: They are typically the same ingredients/nutrition as the brand name, but at a cheaper price.

Don’t Go Hungry: Be sure you’ve had a nutritious meal or snack beforehand, so you’re not tempted by the chip and candy aisle as you’re walking by and throwing extras in your cart.

Choose cooking methods that don't add fat to your foods such baking, broiling, grilling, roasting, poaching and steaming. Use nonstick cooking spray in place of oil to reduce fat.

Instead of using high fat options to flavor your food such as butter, sour cream, creamy salad dressings, etc., opt for the low-fat options such as light butter, low-fat sour cream, and/or plain Greek yogurt.

Instead of swearing off rice, pasta, and bread altogether, dietitians recommend choosing whole wheat/grain products. Identical portions of whole-wheat pasta, bread, and brown rice pack more fiber than their refined, white counterparts, which helps prevent heart disease, diabetes, and keeps you fuller longer.