It is an oft-cited statistic that Americans spend less money on food (proportional to total spending) than any other nation on Earth.  So what do we spend it on, then, that’s so much more important?

If you’re trying to cut back on, say, fat (although, really, why ever would you, short of a gall bladder problems?), you’ll feel a lot less deprived if you spring for that nice, expensive pint of strawberries.

Treat yourself so you don’t start to feel like you’re depriving yourself.  Treat yourself to the best quality food you can.  Nourish your body and satisfy your mind.

5. Be prepared to spend more time on food.

First of all, if you spend more time, you’ll spend less money!  Making a pot of lentil soup from scratch costs pennies.  And it’s not like we’re talking about spending all day here, just the 5-10 minutes you need to cut and chop, and a little more relaxing while your meal simmers or roasts.
Ultimately, food you make is food you have control over.  You know what you can and can’t eat, and you know what you want to eat.  And you’ll do a better job of reconciling those wants and needs than any chef or product manufacturer who’s trying to “satisfy” you as quickly and cheaply as possible.

6. To hell with variety!

Seriously, who says you shouldn’t have fish two nights in a row?