Avoid Your Grocer's Deli

The Deli is expensive. I prefer Boars Head but can't keep paying $6 to $10 per .lb for sandwich meat. Instead, I cook a Hotel turkey breast every 2 weeks, freeze 1/2 for the second week and use the home cooked breast for sandwiches. Even if NOT on sale (sale price 99/lb) @ $2.49, this represents a huge savings, and less chemicals/salt.

Tuna, chicken or turkey salad, egg salad, meatloaf, PBJ, cheese, tomatoes and lettuce, deviled ham (not from a can, make your own) all work well.

Deli salads average $3-$4/lb here. Even with the higher price of potatoes and pasta, it's still cheaper to make your own.

3 bean salad? open and rinse 3 cans of beans, marinate in italian dressing. Add chopped onions, peppers.

Coleslaw is super easy to make, avoid the prebagged slaw mixes and use a food processor or hand cut the cabbage. Grate some carrot, onion. Mix up your own mayo based dressing, you're done.

As with most things, a little pre-planning and up-front time investment can do wonders for your health and budget!