Going to the supermarket can be expensive these days. But Good Housekeeping’s food director says you can save on food costs without skimping on taste. The key is to economize and substitute, starting with whole grains.

"There are no better budget stretchers than dried beans, whole grains, and rice," said Susan Westmoreland, food director, Good Housekeeping Institute. "These are high in protein, low in fat and calories and fiber rich, and they all come under a dollar a pound when you buy them in dried form."

Instead of buying a supermarket rotisserie chicken for$7, Good Housekeeping suggests roasting your own bird for $.99 a pound. "Value cuts of meat like beef chuck roast and pork shoulder are really terrific. They're between $3 and $5 a pound, sometimes less when they're on special, and with some tender, slow, long cooking they become mouth-wateringly delicious. They feed a crowd for a small amount of money and make great left-overs," explained Westmoreland.

And Good Housekeeping says you’ll save a bundle by avoiding impulse trips to the supermarket. Shoppers tend to spend 54 percent more on impulse buys. To learn more, check out the September issue of Good Housekeeping, or visit www.goodhousekeeping.com.