How much can you save by not eating fast food?

Eating healthy can be expensive, which is why many turn to fast food. But, healthy food doesn't have to cost more than fast food. True, the things that are best for you -- lean meats, fresh fruits and vegetables -- always seem to add the most to your grocery bill. But if you know how to eat healthy on a budget, you will actually spend less than opting for a convenient drive-through.

Using smaller portions is a great way to add to your savings. Restaurants have really set a bad example for portion sizes. Since we are given such large portions when we go out to eat, we often believe our portions at home should be the same size. If you pay attention to the nutrition facts on the ingredients you're using, you will probably end up cooking less than what you think you should, and you'll still be full and content at the end of the meal. Smaller portions help you save money and unnecessary calories. It's a win-win.

It might be easy to see the savings of not eating fast food when considering a family of four, but what if you're just cooking for yourself? You may spend money on fresh ingredients only to have them go bad before you can enjoy them. Or, you may waste a perfectly good meal because you don't want to eat the same thing for dinner every night of the week. However, with a little planning, you can save both time and money by using the same main ingredients throughout the week.

If your recipe is for four servings, but you only want one, try to be creative about how to transform the dish into something else each night of the week. If you cook several chicken breasts for dinner one night, you can also use what you don't eat to make chicken salad for your lunch the rest of the week without spending any extra money -- or time cooking. If you're having London broil, use the leftovers for steak salad or fajitas.

Even if you don't use all of the same ingredients, you can prepare your meals for the week by prepping and chopping all of the ingredients on Sunday and storing them in the fridge or freezer for easy access after work. If you won't be able to use all of an ingredient before it goes bad, freeze it for the next time you make the dish instead of letting it spoil and go to waste.

On the next page, we'll discuss the types of foods to buy on a budget and other helpful tips.

In addition to saving money by cutting back on portion sizes and stretching ingredients, you can save a great deal if you're a smart shopper at the grocery store. Coupons are an easy, go-to resource. Try not to be partial to a brand so you can use more coupons to save more money.

You should also pay attention to sales in your local grocery store. Try to plan your menu for the week based on the foods that are on sale. Meats are usually a more significant portion of the cost of a meal. If you ever run across a sale on meats, buy them in bulk and freeze them to use later. You could even freeze some of the meat in a marinade. As it defrosts, it will absorb the flavors for a quick and delicious meal.

Another big chunk of your grocery bill is fresh fruits and vegetables. Those that are in season are always fresher and generally less expensive, so remember to cook based on the season. If you can't live without a certain ingredient, try buying it canned or frozen for cost savings. If you're only cooking for one or two people, frozen fruits and vegetables are extremely convenient.

You might also want to find a local farmer's market for your fruits and vegetables, where you will see significant cost savings from buying directly from the farmer. If you have the space and time, you could also grow your own vegetables. Maintaining the garden will help you get your exercise and relieve stress. And, there's nothing quite like the taste of something you grew in your own back yard.

You can also invest in inexpensive and healthy staples to always have on hand in your cupboard. The shelf life of ingredients like beans, rice, oatmeal and whole-wheat pasta is longer and these foods are much better for you than fast food. On top of being convenient, they're healthy and filling -- the perfect combination. And cut out the soda and go with filtered tap water instead. It's free, good for you and eco-friendly.

With these tips, you'll never have an excuse to go through the drive-through again.