Saving Money on Healthy Food

I have a restricted diet. I admit sometimes it get boring to eat the same type of food so I have been trying to change it up some lately. Summer is the perfect season to get fruits and veggies, but even frozen things can be fresh. I have found it's the texture of things you miss most. I have a couple so far I love. They save you tons of money over already made, as well as being quick.

I miss popcorn. If you do it on the stove, it takes unwanted oil. As for microwave popcorn, if you ever look what's in that bag most wouldn't want to eat it. I saw on TV how to make fast, microwave popcorn that is organic. You buy brown paper bags and organic popcorn. Put 1/4 cup in bag, fold over end and place in microwave. Each microwave is different so stand near until you hear corn stop popping. Mine takes 2 minutes for 1/4 cup, and every corn kernel popped!

You can add what you like that is fresh, not that hydrated stuff inside ones you buy. Mozzarella cheese is my favorite. Try cinnamon and sugar if you like sweet, Italian Seasoning, Creole Seasoning or butter. This way you get to choose what you are adding. The cost, even if you buy it at Dollar Store, is much cheaper and the taste is way better. So easy and it tastes great with no guilt.

Make your own trail mix by putting oatmeal, coconut and almonds in oven for about 30 minutes on a cookie tray. About 350 degrees F on a lower rack is where I did mine. Add raisins, dried cranberries, dried pineapple; really whatever you are hungry for.

One my best friends had told me about a quick dinner when peppers went on sale (10 for $10). I don't eat red meat so I used turkey instead. I also used brown rice. You can put anything else you want in the filling: onions, seasonings, garlic. Once it's mixed together with diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, you put it in bright peppers which are in season. I filled cleaned out red peppers and then put them in oven for 30 minutes. It's up to you if you like softer peppers or not. Once it done to how you like it, take it out and enjoy dinner. For me, I was able to freeze 7 meals, and give one away! All organic, fast, so good and saved me money.

Whatever is on sale at the market is what I am going "change it up" with all summer long. Buying organic and trying to be healthy doesn't have to get boring. Not even what you drink. A watermelon has brought me such delight. You can take the juice and freeze it (cubes, paper cups, etc.). Add that to a fresh container of water with lemon in it. It's amazing how fast, easy and wonderful tasting watermelon lemonade tastes. Putting it in empty water bottles mean you can take it on the go. With all the cucumbers, lemons, limes, oranges and apples out there on sale, I promise not going be bored anytime in next few months.

Enjoy your summer and try new things. Saving money is an additional bonus. Try some of these ideas and you'll be surprised what you come up with.

By Luana M. from San Diego, CA