One thing most of us do at the beginning of each New Year is plan out a brand-spanking new diet.

New diets can sometimes require you ditch everything in the pantry and start from scratch with specific foods.

Naturally this method is usually not an easy regimen to stick with, with hidden costs, higher grocery bills and the possibility of some folks at home not ready to change their eating habits. It could cause down right rebellion! Believe me, I have experience.

My advice, honed after years of trial and error, some successes and some failure, comes down to these simple steps to make your kitchen healthier, happier and budget-friendly.