Allergy Eating on a Budget

Everyone's been feeling a pinch at the grocery store -- according to the USDA, prices for common foods have been rising steadily and are projected to rise as much as five percent by the end of the year. This is the highest such increase in the Consumer Price Index for food since 1990.

And if you're reading this, there's every chance that you're feeling the pinch a little more than your friends and neighbors. That's because no matter what sort of allergies you have, odds are very good that, for at least one staple food, you can't just shop by price at your local Mega Mart. Whether it's egg-free bread, lactose-free milk, or nut-free or gluten-free cereal, you may find yourself paying double (or even more!) what you'd pay for an analogous product.

There are ways to save money on a restricted diet, but they do require planning. Luckily, many of the principles of savvy shopping are the same no matter what your dietary needs. Here are some resources that may help you eat safely -- and healthfully! -- within a stretched budget.

• Frugal Living and Food Allergies
• Grocery Shopping with Food Allergies
• About.com Low-Fat Cooking: Healthy Eating on a Budget
• About.com Frugal Living: Top Seven Tips for Eating Healthy on a Budget
• About.com Weight Loss: Losing Weight on a Budget