The holidays can be tough times on peoples pocketbooks. Extra expenses such as winter gear, increased hydro costs, less work (for all of us contract employees), and christmas presents can mean we have to stretch our dollar to the maximum. Low quality fresh fruits and vegetables makes staying healthier even harder. Eating healthy doesnt need to break the bank, and cooking at home means you arent getting any extra hidden calories (almost every restaurant uses waaaay too much oil).

1. Search for sales. Online or by flyer, check out which store has what for less. This week No Frills has $3/lb pork tenderloin, and $2/lb boneless skinless chicken breast. While it is not organic or free run, it is safe to eat a couple times a week. If you have to walk a bit to get to the store, pick a day where it is not likely to be stormy and slippery, and practice your weight lifting so you can carry the groceries home. Invest in a grocery buggy so you arent bogged down by heavy bags. Remember that stores are overheated in the winter, and you will probably be uncomfortable shopping in your scarf, hat, and jacket. You can throw these things in the buggy while you shop.
2. Buy local. This is a general rule of thumb, but especially during the winter. http://www.foodland.gov.on.ca/english/availability.html This is a link to the food available in the winter months in Ontario, and we are lucky to get a lot of veggies all year round. Tis the season for pears and apples in the fruit department. Be creative with cheap winter vegetables like squash, onions, parsnips, beets, cabbage and beautiful heirloom carrots. I am still eating nice Ontario tomatoes thanks to our greenhouses (I usually refuse tomatoes in the winter, but am having cravings. Im shocked they are good!).
3. Bulk up! Go the freshly stocked bulk bins, such as Noahs or Bulk Barn, to purchase staples in bulk. Steel cut or large flake oats, flax, quinoa, lentils, nuts,  etc can all be found in one stop. No running around the grocery store. If you need a treat you can purchase a small quantity, which is great for those of us will little self control.
4. Plan ahead- When items go on sale pre portion them and freeze for later use. This is great for salmon, chicken breast, and ground meat. Freezing will change the texture of the food, so be sure to keep in tightly wraped, and then placed in a bag. Delicate meats such as thin filets of white fish, shrimp, or something like a high quality beef tenderloin will not be as tasty if they have been frozen, especially in a non-commercial freezer- enjoy these items fresh. Keep in mind bacteria still grows on frozen food, although very slowly, so eat frozen meats within 2 months at the very most, they dont have any preservatives like a frozen dinner would.
5. Eat your eggs- eggs are a great source of protein and nutrients and a fridge staple. Eggs are so versatile and can be used at any meal, in a variety of ways. Keep a couple hard boiled eggs on hand for a snack or to use in a salad. Omlettes are a great meal that can be made cheaply but are still nutrious and satisfying. You can use the end bit of a brick of cheese, the ends of smoked salmon or left over turkey for filling. Slightly soft mushrooms and onions that wont cut it in a salad work great sauteed for an omlette.
6. Be creative- use what you have so you dont have to grab pricey ingredients from the convience store. I am so bad for this, chain groceries prey off condo dwellers! My dinner tonight is a black bean, tomato, quinoa, and zucchini salad with balsamic/mapledressing. I wouldnt serve it to friends, but it will do for my own dinner. Beans, canned tuna or salmon, and eggs make a quick solution to a lack of protein.
7. Best before date sales- Some stores will reduce fresh items close to the expiry date. I go to the bloor street market if its on my home right before close. I got a beautiful dish of prepared spinach for $2, which had about 3 large servings, and would have cost much more to make. Last saturday am I got a 1kg bag of cut and washed veggies for $2. There is always a discount shelf of older products at this store (such as seaonsal napkins preserves, etc), and a shalf of reduced bakery/bread items. Again, I may not serve this to friends, but if you're hungry it works. Be sure to eat these products immediately, and obviously check for wilting or mold. Dont risk a seniors, childs, pregnant woman, or immunocompromised persons health.
8. Soups and stews- Hearty, warm meals will fill you up and keep you warm through the winter. Cooking tougher, cheaper cuts of meats is so simple with a slow cooker. There is nothing that cures winter better than a beef stew with winter vegetables!

Lean ground beef burger with roasted red peppers and onion. On a roasted red pepper instead of a bun, with a tiny bit of mayo.