3 Tips to Slimming Down on a Skinny Budget

Raise your hand if a tight budget is keeping you out of your skinny jeans.
Girl, we know. Eating right isn't always the cheapest option, but there are ways to trim down while watching your finances. A few practical suggestions.

1.Shop seasonally and locally. If it's local, and in-season, the shipping costs are largely reduced, with the savings passed on to you. How do you know if it's local? Many grocery stores have sections specifically for local produce.

2. Cut up your own produce. You'll only save a few minutes of prep-time, but you'll be shelling out some serious dough. "Don't waste money for this "convenience,"" says Fernstrom.

3. Avoid the exotic. As much as this pains us to say, opt for less glamorous fruits and vegetables. "Green peppers don't seem as fancy as yellow or orange, but are a fraction of the cost."

4 Foods for a Good Mood

Cranky? The culprit might be hiding in your snack drawer.
What you eat can have a huge effect on how you feel - and we're not just talking about your rumbly tummy. Quick-grabs like soda, candy and white breads cause spikes— and ultimately crashes in— blood sugar, leaving you feeling less than your best. "The goal is to maintain an even, steady keel," says Pachella. She suggests almonds, avocados, low-fat yogurt or dark green leafy veggies to help you find and keep your good food mood.

A Tropical Way to Punch Up Your Lunch

Chicken breast over greens... again? We know the drill. Might we suggest adding some sweet and spicy Caribbean salsa to perk things up a bit? We're big, big fans of this little condiment. It goes great on everything from grilled chicken and shrimp to a mixed greens salad. Seriously, yum.

Ingredients
2 cups chopped seeded watermelon
1 cup chopped fresh pineapple
1 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon chopped jalapeno pepper or jerk seasoning (or to taste)

Preparation
In a large bowl combine ingredients; mix well. Refrigerate, covered, at least 1 hour to blend flavors. Stir before serving.


Nutrition per serving (makes 8 servings):
34 calories; 1g protein; 0g fat; 0mg cholesterol; 3 mg sodium