The average American family spends between 12 to 15% of their income on food per year, which doesn't even include the cost of gas and the extra time you spend on those last minute trips to the store. But did you know there are lots of ways to cut costs on food while still being able to eat well rounded and healthy. We have put together a list of ways to reduce food costs so you can save money.

Meal planning is the best way to keep you and your family from eating out, eating out is very expensive and the more you can cut back on it the more money you will save. Even if you're not a whiz in the kitchen there are lots of ways to stop depending on restaurants and start stretching your dining dollar.

1) Try buying some pre made meals, there are plenty to choose from and they are a great alternative to eating out. Companies like Dinner By Design and Dream Dinners help you make healthy meals you can store in your freezer. You still prepare the dishes but they supply all the ingredients and packaging. And if you compare these dishes to their restaurant counterparts you can see savings of up to 70%. Or if you're up for a bit of a challenge you could do it yourself, sites like alwaysfrugal.com and allrecipes.com are great resources for meals you can make ahead and freeze until you need them.

2) One of the most expensive ingredients in any meal is meat, but there are ways to feed your carnivores without devouring your food budget. If you have the freezer space for it, consider splitting a cow with a neighbor or friend. Start at the local farmers market or even the butcher's counter at the grocery store and tell them you're interested in buying a side of beef which is the same as saying half a cow. From there you will be able to find out the cuts you can get and the cost.

3) Finally getting together with friends and cooking meals is relationally and financially wise. Choose a theme to the occasion or get together and then assign dishes to different people such as entrees, side dish, salads, and dessert. This can be very fun and a great way to save money and catch up with your friends.