It’s no surprise that grocery bills have skyrocketed in recent years, which can be scary, especially for those on a strict budget.

A recent report found that food prices have increased 8%-13%, with meat, poultry, fish, and eggs on the higher end, according to Forbes. A recent report revealed that the average monthly grocery bill for a family of four jumped from $410 to $860. YIKES!

Luckily, I have some tips to help you continue to eat healthily while keeping your wallet happy, too.

1//Shop bargain stores and farmers’ markets

Grocery bargain stores (think Grocery Outlet) are all over and many of them have "NOSH" (Natural, Organic, Specialty, Healthy) sections. You can also head to Walmart, where they have some great options. Check out Target and Sprouts Farmers Market as well. By shopping at farmers’ markets, you're supporting a local farmer and may get good quality, organic produce at a lower cost. Don't be scared to talk to the representative from the farm; they WANT your business so are happy to talk. Often, they may be following organic practices but can't afford to get USDA certified.

2//Go generic

Read your labels to see if the store brand is just as good as the brand you typically purchase. Consumers often pay more for big-name brands when the generic brand offers the same quality and taste.

3//Use a cashback app

Merryfield is a cashback app that people are raving about; start using it to lower costs.

4//Determine "needs vs. wants"

Sometimes creating a budget before you hit the stores helps this step quite a bit. When you get close to your budget max, you can choose, "do we need this item, or can this item stay"? Often this helps reduce the number of processed foods that enter the house and leads to healthier choices all week long.

5//Choose foods that give you more for your money

Frozen produce can be very cost-effective and equally nutritious, allows you to get your fruits and veggies at a lower cost. It also lasts longer and has more than you need in a single package, so you can make more than one meal with a single package.

6//Choose to buy whole fruits and vegetables over pre-cut

Pre-cut produce can cost up to DOUBLE what the whole item would cost. Buy your produce whole and cut it yourself to save on cost.

7//Buy in bulk

Often you can buy beans, rice, sauces, and meats in bulk to help save on cost and ensure you have what you need.

In addition:

• Create a budget that works for your family.
• Plan your meals to avoid overbuying.
• Check weekly ads and store websites before going shopping to identify where the best deals are.

by Tasha Rosales, board certified nutrition coach and owner of Wellness Homemade

Reprinted with permission from Tasha Rosales, board certified nutrition coach and owner of Wellness Homemade; read the original blog here.