[LittleGopher]

Eliminating certain items (readymade and processed for the most part) has helped us a lot. I cook mostly from scratch too, as others have mentioned. I do use generics and store brands on a lot of foods in those inner aisles. Coupons only occasionally - store brands are cheaper where I shop and we try to use less processed foods (I too am trying out the South Beach diet with great success thus far, and fresh is the word!). I try to go alone and I make a list and try to stick to it (not fanatical, if there's a great buy on something we use, I'll get it.) I plan meals for the week, keep a stocked pantry, freezer and frig. Well, let's just say we will never starve. We can, and have, lived off of what we have for a month, when an unexpected money event happens, etc. (Of course, that was before South Beach- frozen vegies, I guess, for me.)