Jane Weaver, Health Editor at msnbc.com explains how to do it in her article, Skip the dollar menu! Eating well on a budget: You don’t have to ruin your diet to survive the economic downturn.

Here are some key points from the article:

• You don’t need protein in large quantities to be healthy. Make dishes with less protein to save money. 
• Incorporate more vegetables (fresh and frozen are great)
• Don’t overlook eggs as a great source of protein — make an omelette or a frittata with lots of veggies.
• Dollar menus are mostly junk. If you have to go to a fast food restaurant, get a salad or grilled chicken.

It’s not just about the money you’re spending now, it’s the value of your health [later]. Don’t empty your wallet with empty calories.