With the cost of meat these days, it may seem impossible to cut your grocery budget without hearing “Where’s the Beef?” when you put dinner on the table. While you might have to reduce your meat purchases to reduce your grocery bill, there are plenty of ways you can get enough protein in your meals without raiding your child’s piggy bank.

Substitute lower priced cuts in your meat dishes. For example, you can substitute skinless chicken legs and thighs (4 oz, raw = 135 cal; 4.5 g fat; 23 g protein*) for skinless chicken breasts (4 oz, raw = 125 cal; 1.5 g fat; 26 g protein) without a major increase in calories or fat. Remember that if you’re willing to skin and de-bone chicken yourself you’ll also pay less–sometimes as little as half.

Trim like a pro. When choosing lower priced cuts of meat, be careful not to sacrifice your health in the process. Cheaper cuts of beef and pork are often much higher in fat and calories. To reduce the impact that has on your health, trim all visible fat before you cook your steaks, roasts or chops.

Trade the meat for beans. Dried beans are a tiny fraction of the cost of meat, and even canned beans are relatively inexpensive. Replace the meat in your chili or soups with beans (1/2 cup serving = 100 calories; 0.5 g fat; 6 g protein) or reduce the amount of meat in a dish and make up for it by adding beans. Not only are the beans cheaper, but they have more fiber, fewer calories and less fat than most meats.

Shop the sales. Buy meat and seafood when it’s on sale and then package it for the freezer. You’ll have it when you need it and won’t have to break the bank to get it. Bonus Tip: Get friendly with the butcher at your favorite grocery store and you might even get tips on when they do mark downs so you can snag the best deals before they’re gone.

*Nutrition information source: CalorieKing.com

"Eat well. Live well. Be well."