The ultimate money saver is to eat at home. But when the mood hits and eating out is the only solution consider the following tips.

When dining out:

• Order water. Water nourishes the body. To make water more enticing, order it with lemon or lime.

• If ordering a soda is necessary, order a large and share. The extra calories of a huge drink makes one huge as well!

• Avoid ordering entrees-the main course. It's the expensive part of the meal. Try ordering an appetizer or a salad instead. The tip will also be less since the total bill will be lower.

• Be aware of the fast food specials. Though it only saves a small chunk of change, over time the savings do add up!

• Be aware of the quantity of food the establishment serves. What is the recommended serving size people should be eating? Rather than stretching the waistline, share!

• Avoid ordering eveyone their own full meal. Think about cutting back, combining and sharing food.

• At an expensive restaurant, dine during the lunch hour. The same food is usually significantly cheaper then.

• Take advantage of the hotel package deals that include food with the room. Fill up on the hotel breakfast, so a lite lunch can be eaten.

• While traveling carry snacks. Having snacks like granola bars, trail mix, water bottles, or fresh fruit purchased from the grocery store is cheaper than stopping at the convenience store, restaurants, or street vendors.

• Eat where the locals do. Casual restaurants with a large local clientele are likely to be high quality and cheaper.

• Choose to eat breakfast since it is usually the least expensive meal at restaurants. Lunch or brunch seems to be the next best economical choice.

• Try to eat during the early bird specials between 4:00 and 6:00 (can save up to 20% or more).

• Choose to eat Monday through Thursday. Since restaurants are not as crowded, it is the best time to save on daily specials.

• Consider selecting the special of the day. It usually provides a good economical value.

• Select set meal combinations rather than ordering a la carte. Set combination meals are usually less expensive.

• Eat dessert at home. Dessert is one of the biggest marked-up items on the menu.

• Skip the alcoholic drinks. Restaurants make a lot of money serving alcohol.

• Check out the yellow pages of the local phone book for restaurant coupons or discounts.

• Look for restaurant discounts over the Internet on site such as restaurant.

• Remember to use the restaurant coupons received through the mail.

When purchasing food in grocery stores:

• Compare different brands. Store brands are often as good quality as other leading brands and the consumer can usually save 10% or better. Supermarket brands are tested in the corporate kitchens and usually offer a money-back guarantee.

• Compare products in various sizes by paying attention to the unit price. The best savings are not necessarily on the largest quantity.

• Don't shop while hungry. People are more likely to impulse buy when hungry.

• Don't shop with the kids. Unwanted items tend to creep into the cart with too many "helping hands."

• Avoid frequent trips. It is difficult to purchase only a few items on any trip to the grocery store.

• Always remember to bring the shopping list and stick to it! Keep a paper and pencil in the ktichen. Check the kitchen cabinets and refrigerator when making the grocery list.

• Consider sales and coupons when making the list too. Beware! Is the coupon item cheaper than the cost of the store brand item? Would you have bought the brand name item anyway?

• Check the flyers for market or stores' sale items and stock up!

• Take time to plan. Failure to plan results in impulse buying. When planning, make a weekly menu of favorite dishes, nutritional foods, and foods that are in season. Keep in mind a healthy meal is a colorful one. A weekly menu should offer a variety of foods. Plan on cooking extras to serve for leftovers. It saves time and money.

• Take advantage of bulk items and buy for 2 weeks at a time. Does the grocery store have a large quantity department where items such as pet food, cereals and paper products are discounted? They may be cheaper, but be sure all the food can be used before it spoils.

• Be flexible once you are in the store. Take the time to compare the price of similar foods and purchase the cheapest. For example, which fruit should be added to the menu, peaches or pears? Would it be cheaper to buy it fresh, frozen or dried?

• Compare the cost of convenience foods versus the cost of making it from scratch. The more table ready a product is, the higher the price. Convenience foods such as cooked whole chicken, frozen main meal dinners, frozen or prepared cakes or pastries are typically more expensive than homemade. Microwavable entrees and packaged side dishes are pricey too. Consider quick and easy dishes that you prepare. The convenience dishes may not be as nutritious. For example they may contain more sodium or fat than if you had prepared the dish or a similar dish.

• Limit high-calorie, low-nutrient extras such as sodas, chips, and alcohol.

• Grow your own fruits and vegetables.

• Shop at farmers' markets and discount stores.

• Know the regular prices of items purchased often. This way a sale item will be an obvious bargain.

• Keep in mind convenience stores often charge the highest price.

• Buy basic ingredients rather than pre-packaged components or ready-made items. Remember saving money on a food bill is as easy as planning ahead, making and sticking to a list, watching the specials, and comparing prices. May you make as few trips to the store as possible! Hope you are enjoying healthy meals.

By: Susan Reece

Sources: BetterBudgeting.com, fabulousfoods.com, SavingAdvice.com, UNH Cooperative

Last updated January 27, 2005