Stretch Your Steak. Save Money While Eating Well.

Today I heard a news piece on the radio that grocery prices are 25% higher than they were four years ago. I knew prices had increased, but 25 percent? That’s staggering.

Meanwhile, most people’s wages have not risen 25 percent. Which means most people are trying to feed their families with dollars that don’t go as far as they used to. When budgets are already tight, what’s a mom to do?

Nobody wants to compromise on health and nutrition. But our families’ bellies still need to be filled. So, is there a way to accomplish both? Full bellies and good nutrition?

This post is sponsored by the Washington State Beef Commission.

With a little planning, there is. Here’s how.

Set your priorities. Get the most bang for your buck by setting your food priorities. Protein (like beef) offers calorie-dense, nutrient-filled food that staves off hunger compared to some pre-packaged snacks that leave your family hungry for more. Before hitting up the store, identify where you’re willing to splurge – and where it makes sense to cut back.

Buy in bulk. Warehouse stores, your local butcher, or your grocer’s value packs are great sources of meat for less per pound than you’d pay regularly. Also check the markdown section for packages that are close to their sell-by date for really great savings. Just make sure you have a plan to cook it soon after you bring it home!

Batch-cook foods and use your leftovers. Don’t let food waste away in the fridge or freezer! Take inventory before you go to the store and use foods you already have for your next week’s menu. Leftover steak can be used in a salad, pot roast can be repurposed in chili, and ground beef can be used in a soup, stew, or baked pasta dish.

Higher food costs can have a real impact on the meals you feed your family. But with a little extra attention, you don’t have to sacrifice nutrition and quality. It’s especially important that you don’t skimp out on protein. Beef delivers 10 essential nutrients including protein, zinc, iron and important B vitamins in every 3-ounce serving. It provides nutrition for every stage of life – from choline for babies’ developing brains, to iron for adolescent girls, to protein for the athlete’s muscle recovery – and helps with satiety to keep bellies fuller, longer.

And the good news is, beef is so versatile that there’s a cut for every lifestyle and budget. Even with rising grocery prices, you can still feed your family well. Below are some simple swaps to help you enjoy the nutritional benefits of beef while still sticking to your grocery budget!