better eating=smart shopping

Eating well doesn't have to be expensive. Sure it may cost a little more than eating ramen noodles three times a day, but your body and tastebuds will thank you in the long run. And yes you can even do this at Whole Foods.

1. Beans, pasta and grains. Beans (dried or canned) and grains, like brown rice and bulgur are great cheap buys that really fill you up. Check the bulk bin at your grocery store to get a steal on a variety of grains.

2. Keep convenience foods like frozen veggie burgers to a minimum. Yes they are super convenient, and I must admit that I like to keep a box of veggie burgers in my freezer just in case. Instead, keep a package of TVP (textured vegetable protein) in the pantry. When rehydrated it resembles ground meat and can be used in tacos, hashes etc (its more economical than the fake crumbles you get in the freezer section).

Try this simple veggie burger recipe that's made with ingredients you probably have sitting around.

1 14 oz can beans, like black or kidney
1 egg
1/2 c rolled oats
1 small onion
Dash of chili powder (or whatever spices you prefer).

Mix together in food processor until combined (but don't pulverize it). Chill, form into patties and then cook in a skillet. Eat straight away, or wrap in aluminum foil and freeze for a convenient meal.

3. When it comes to produce, buy seasonal. Seasonal produce tends to be in abundance and therefore cheaper. Also check out a local farmer's markets--they usually have steals. On Friday I got two big heads of red leaf lettuce and two tomatoes for $3.50. Another plus side to farmer's markets is that the products are usually local and super fresh.

4. Be smart. If your buying ingredients for a dish, think about how you will use the leftovers, if there will be any. Because if half a zucchini rots in your fridge, that's wasted cash. Also, when grocery shopping try to buy ingredients that go together; that way you won't get stuck at home with a full shopping bag and nothing to eat.

5. Substitute, substitute, substitute. Try to think of recipes as guidelines. If you don't have something for a recipe, think about what you do have or can get for cheap. The results may totally different, but who knows, you may discover something infinitely better. That's the joy of cooking!