I always shop sales. I bring meats home and wrap and freeze portions immediately. I don't use coupons so much anymore, because I have discovered a lot of store brands that are good. I also found that my local health store and vegetable markets have wonderful deals on fresh vegetables. I buy my bars from ebay. I even got a case of a dozen Fast Forward bottles for just a little over $100.00 on ebay. If you are not afraid to ask questions and insist on fresh bars and other products, ebay is a great way to go.

A great tip---I found that I missed cooking with tomatoes. Both Kroger and Wal-mart sell cans of no-salt-added tomatoes that you can use to make program-friendly chili and other dishes. They are very reasonably priced. You can also get a large bag of Uncle Ben's brown rice for a little over $2.00 at Wal-mart.

Good luck to you! And remember that this healthy food costs a lot less that the sodas, chips, ice cream and other garbage we all used to eat.

Nicole, I’m good, thanks for asking! I finally went back to my COD 2 weeks ago so now I’m on the right plan and starting to make a little progress. I think I finally got my head wrapped around this weight loss once again (at least I hope so). It does feel good to be POP and see some results!

Thanks for all the ideas guys! I have to say it seems a little harder when you're on your own. I live by myself, so it seems so expensive. I know in the end compared to what I used to buy it isn't....

I guess things just spoil faster. I can't eat the produce fast enough!

I have the same problem, Jersey!!! I live with a roommate, but we buy our own food, so it's hard to buy food that's healthy for me, especially with the prices going up! Yikes!

Nicole and all,

I have another money saving tip for a cleaner. I saw it on the Cheapskate monthly website (www.cheapskatemonthly.com). You take an old spray bottle and fill it 1/4 full with the original blue Dawn dish soap, then fill it the rest of the way with white vinegar. Shake it up, then spray on your tub and shower. Leave on for up to an hour, depending on amount of grime, and wipe with a cloth and rinse. Works great and doesn't rip your lungs apart. I usually spray it on after my shower then go have breakfast and come back and finish it up.

There are a lot of great tips on her website. You can sign up for emails from her also.

Good luck on your soap making adventures.

Lolene