Unfortunately most households simply cook up whatever they can think of on the spur of the moment instead of planning ahead. but by planning your meals ahead, your family food budget can be estimated and adjusted - and you can be sure that you will have something ready to suit even the most fussiest of eaters.

These days it seems that convenience foods have become the norm. Most foods are now packaged and labeled to lead us into thinking they are healthy. Although something says "low fat" on the label, one look at the sugar or salt content would have you gasping for air. The reality is though that most people simply don't read food labels and the manufacturers know this. Rather than picking up fast convenience foods, plan your family meals in advance and create a family food budget that will allow you to both eat healthy and eat without breaking the bank.

Your family food budget should include the following:

1. Breakfasts
2. Lunches
3. Snacks
4. Dinners
5. Desserts

Yes, that's right - you should aim to include ALL types of food and meals in your budget, not just dinners. That is the mistake that many people make. It is all well and good to prepare seven nights of dinner but if you have not thought about the other times of the day that you must eat you will often resort to fast food or unhealthy snacking. If you wish to have left over dinner for lunches, then plan to cook more than is needed and buy some microwave safe containers for storing food in.

Desserts and snacks should also be prepared in advance. If you do go with prepared desserts such as ice cream shop around the sales. Otherwise you can make delicious desserts and healthy snacks at a fraction of the cost.

These are just a few tips to help stretch your family food budget while serving a variety of foods each day. With proper planning you will not only save money but you will also save time trying to figure out what to make when it's time for your next meal.