Simple Savings: A Couple of Ideas

MAKE IT SMALLER:  The last time I made homemade tortillas, I made them half the size that I usually do.  Family members like to eat a couple of them at a meal, so by reducing the size they don't eat too much.  I did the same thing when making cookies last time.  I made the cookies just a little bit smaller than normal.  I had more cookies and no one noticed the reduced size.  Next time you serve meals, give people a smaller portion to start with.  They can always get more.  With kids, if you give them small portions of everything, they won't be overeating if you tell them to eat everything on their plate before getting more.  That way they have to eat their fruits and veggies before getting more of the main meal.

DON'T FINISH IT:  It is easy to eat up everything you put out for a meal, especially when it is right in front of you on the table.  Leaving the main dish over on the counter or stove will keep it out of sight and out of mind.  If someone is really hungry for more, they have to get up to get it.  Some people take out a portion for lunch the next day before sitting down to eat.  You can even freeze a portion for a later time.  Just because there is a part of that casserole left, it doesn't mean that you need to finish it.

CONSIDER BUYING AT THE SALAD BAR:  I have mentioned this in the past, but it is worth repeating.  If something at the salad bar costs as much or more than it does in a package, consider purchasing it at the salad bar.  Last week, I bought some pepperoni at the salad bar because they let us use our own containers.  The cost of the pepperoni was cheaper than what I would have normally spent and I only wanted a little bit for a pizza.  I was shocked at how good the pepperoni tasted compared to the pepperoni we usually buy in packages.  My whole family noticed the difference and loved it.  From now own, I am buying the pepperoni from the salad bar and using my own container (going green)  and it will taste better and cost less.  This idea is only cost effective if the thing you are buying costs as much or more per pound for the same item in a package.  It isn't a good idea to buy carrots or frozen peas or tomatoes, etc.  at the salad bar.  The normal costs of these is 1/4 to 1/8 of the cost it would be at the salad bar.