These days, everyone is trying to save a dollar.  With the economy in crisis and so many people out of work, even every day staples like groceries can be hard to come by.    Many people think that eating healthy and often (the keys to success with the Venice Nutrition program) can be really pricey.  The fact is, if you shop “smarter” using the tips below, you can eat well while saving your hard earned cash.  Read on to learn more!

Do some research first to see what’s on sale and where.  Your newspaper is a great resource.

Join a coupon club online.  Do a google search to see which club is best for you.  Then simply print the coupons you need and save.

Places like Super Walmart are excellent for every day basic needs.  Most families who shop here weekly for groceries save hundreds!

Make a list and plan your spending to avoid impulse buys.

Never go to the grocery store hungry; doing so leads to impulse buying (and a lot of excess snack food you probably wouldn’t buy otherwise!)

Remember that the most natural, healthy foods like produce, proteins and dairy are generally on the perimeter of the grocery store (not in the aisles). 

Be open to trying new foods; if you see a fruit on sale that you haven’t tried before, give it a chance.  You’ll expand your culinary palette and save.

Stock up on inexpensive but healthy staples like eggs, chicken breasts (bone in, skin on is cheaper than regular breasts, just remove the skin once cooked to save calories), frozen veggies, milk, cheese, brown rice, sweet potatoes, fruits in season etc. so you always have them on hand.

Take a good look through your kitchen and prepare your menu for the week around what you already have on hand, and what's on sale.

Keep in mind that the larger stores are generally cheaper than smaller ones.

Avoid trips to the local convenient stores where you always end up spending too much.

If you go to the supermarket before 9 am, you may have a better chance of getting mark down items.

Check the front and back of your supermarket flyer, the best sales are usually on these pages.

Most bargains are found on the higher and lower shelves. Most expensive brands are at eye level (to get your attention).

If a product you use often is currently on sale, buy in bulk to save money.   As long as you know you’ll use it and you have the room for it, it’s not a waste of money.

Just because an item has the word "SALE" on it, doesn't mean you are getting it for a lower than normal price.  Compare it to the other brand or store names on the shelf- you may be surprised at how much cheaper some of the same products can be.

Always sign up for a savings card with your local grocery store.

Give store brands a try!  Remember that fancy packages and labels cost you more money for the same product.   Most stores will refund your money if you are not satisfied.

Buy and use in season veggies and fruit.  

Frozen fruit and veggies are great to use as well and have a lengthy shelf life.

Remember, convenience foods, such as pre-chopped veggies are more expensive. 

Always ask for a raincheck if an advertised special is out of stock. While you are waiting for the product to come back in, look for more coupons for that product.

Always return a product that is spoiled.

Send off for rebates to get items free, or nearly free!

*many tips derived from www.thefrugalshopper.com