EAT WELL, SPEND LESS

*MAKE A LIST. Reduce your impulse buying with a grocery list, and stick to it. Don't shop when you're hungry. Focus on the perimeter of the store where the fresh foods and produce are. Processed and packaged foods are in the middle.

*BULK UP. Most staple foods, like brown rice and olive oil, can be stored for a while. Buy them in bulk and when they're on sale. Store olive oil in the refrigerator.

*SNACK SMART. Junk foods are high in calories and low on nutrition. Whole foods are also more satisfying, so you eat less.

*GROW YOUR OWN. Start a garden. Vegetables such as tomatoes or Swiss chard are both easy to grow. Herbs and some vegetables also grow well in pots. Plant a fruit tree in your yard. Or, view a list of farmers' markets at kp.org/farmersmarket.

*KICK THE BOTTLE. Filter tap water instead of buying bottled water.

*COOK FOR THE LONG HAUL. Make dishes like chili, soup, or stew that can be served over several nights or frozen for later. You can also pack them for lunch.

*LATER, LATTE! Bypass the coffee shops and brew your own joe.

This article taken from Partners in Health Magazine(Kaiser Permanente).