Sure the news about the food situation lately has been pretty doom-and-gloom, but as one writer points out, all you need to do is gain some perspective - and some frugal eating habits.

For over a decade food prices have remained fairly stable, which is why the sudden rise in costs seems so dramatic. The Department of Agriculture actually claims that Americans spend less of their annual income on food than any other country, coming in at approximately six per cent. With some careful planning and flexibility regarding your food choices, it's still entirely possible to maintain a healthy diet without going broke in the process.

Coupons, coupons and more coupons
Start reading online flyers and clipping from the hard copies of store flyers that arrive in your mailbox every week. By purchasing sale items, you can sometimes cut your grocery bill in half. Check Hot Coupon World online for more coupon-related information. Also be sure to check the flyers are multiple stores to see who is offering the best deals on the products you're likely to buy. Just because you usually shop at one store doesn't mean you can't cheat and shop somewhere else occasionally if the sales and coupons are better. But don't be sucked in completely; if you won't likely use the product, don't buy it just because you're getting a good deal. On that note, be sure to stockpile non-perishable items that you'll use if you've got a really good coupon or a store is having a good sale. That way you won't have to pay full price for it a week or two down the road when the sale on that item is over.

Invest in your own packaging
Sure, those kid-size snacks and 100-calorie packs are convenient because a product manufacturer takes care of the measuring for you, but you're paying for it in the end. Those companies charge for all of the smaller packages contained in the outer box or bag. Buying products in bulk and making your own individual servings will save you money in the long run, not to mention you'll be saving excess waste from ending up in landfills. If you're busy during the week, pre-pack snacks such as cookies, crackers, nuts and fruit on Sunday night and store them in your pantry. It may take a small investment of time but you'll save big in the end.

Think about how you use meat
If you combine meat with beans and spread it over pasta or potatoes, you'll still be getting your meat fix without eating an excess amount of it. Food such as beans and lentils give add protein, not to mention fiber, so they should satisfy your appetite just as much, if not more, than a big hunk of standalone meat on your plate.

Focus on nutrition
Avoid junk food and add healthier items to your cart. Cereal is getting ridiculously expensive so try buying a bag of oats and making hot cereal with fruit or a little bit of brown sugar instead. Pick up fresh and dried fruit instead of candy and get out that old abandoned popcorn maker for a healthy alternative to chips.

Frozen, not fresh
Frozen fish is typically less expensive than so-called fresh fish, which is usually thawed from a frozen state itself. Fish in your freezer section was likely just frozen on the boat so there isn't any difference in the quality, just the price.

Family activity
It's tempting to buy food that is pretty much ready to go out of the package: pre-seasoned, sliced or washed. Buying the plain or whole versions is often less expensive (again you're paying for convenience!) so get your family involved in meal preparation by having them cut, wash and season the food. Not only can you have some quality family time, you'll be equipping children with the ability to cook when they're older so hopefully when they are on their own, they won't live solely on boxed and packaged food.

Eat in, not out
Restaurant prices are still more exorbitant than eating in. If you value going out for dinner, have a couple of appetizers and drinks (but not for the driver!) before heading out to dinner or buy dessert to enjoy at home afterward. Often times you can get an entire dessert that will feed the family for the cost of a single serving in a restaurant.

Develop a green thumb
Yesterday we posted a video introduction to growing a vegetable garden. Many herbs and vegetables take an investment of time, but are inexpensive and simple to grow yourself. Buying them at the supermarket each week may be easier, but it's definitely not cost-efficient.

Budget and reward
Make a shopping list according to your weekly grocery budget and make it a competition to see how much money you can save each week. At the end of the month, marvel at your savings and treat yourselves to a fun activity for all of your scrimping efforts!

» Reuters