Are you distressed when the checkout clerk at the grocery store totals your grocery bill? Do you seem to shop for groceries every day? Are you shocked by how much of your earnings are spent on food? Here are some ways to tame unruly food bills and eat healthy, too.

• Set a goal to reduce or eliminate purchasing drinks from the quick stop or meals at the drive-through.
• Plan to prepare and eat more meals at home.
• Make a list of your family’s favorite healthy foods and make sure they are always on hand.
• Take an inventory of your pantry, refrigerator and freezer to avoid duplicate purchases. Be aware of the items you want to have in your pantry.
• Develop a personalized grocery shopping list that includes those staple items, then leave space for five meats, five fruits, ten veggies, five grains and five dairy items. Make copies of the list. Take a quick inventory and fill in the items you need to purchase. Limit your purchases to those items on your list.
• Use store ads to guide item selection and menus. Track seasonal items for economical prices.
• Check the unit prices of items and purchase the most economical size.
• Buy in bulk items that are good prices if your family likes and will use them before spoiling.
• Limit grocery shopping to one time per week.
• When preparing food consider making extra to freeze or serve the next day.
• Take snacks with you instead of purchasing pre-packaged foods.
• Take a water bottle with you to reduce the temptation to purchase drinks.
• Involve all family members in meal planning, food shopping and preparation. People are more likely to eat what they have helped to select and prepare.
• Practice the step-down principle. Instead of the extra expense of eating a pizza and salad at a nice pizzeria or ordering take out or delivery, buy the ingredients and make the pizza and salad at home as a family. It’s cheaper and a fun family activity.