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Save money and live healthier by making these foods at home instead of buying them at the grocery store based on a list compiled by Readers Digest.

"Gourmet" frozen vegetables

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Frozen vegetables that are microwaveable and come with special sauces and herbs might be easy to cook, but they're also relatively easy to make on your own. Simply cook your vegetables, add butter along with any herbs you have on hand and you're good to go.

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Microwaveable sandwiches

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Pre-made sandwiches that are sold in grocery store delis are full of unnecessary additives. Make a healthier, and cheaper sandwich by buying the ingredients you need and assembling it yourself.

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Frozen fruit bars

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"Real fruit" bars are expensive at the grocery store, so save yourself some money and make them in your home. Blend up the fruit and juice you want, then pour the liquid into paper cups with a wood stick and put them in the freezer. In a few hours you will have your own homemade frozen fruit bars. 

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Boxed rice entre and side-dishes

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Rice entree's and side-dishes typically consist of just rice, salt, and spices, and if you were to buy the ingredients separately you would save money and have more control over what was going into the dish. Next time buy a bag of rice, cook it and add in your own herbs and seasonings to customize it to your liking.

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Energy and protein bars

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Energy and protein bars found at the grocery store are typically the equivalent of candy bars that are masquerading as a healthy snack. On top of this, they are very expensive. Instead of buying these bars, buy oats, dried fruit, nuts, and honey and make your own bars at home. 

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Spice mixes

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Grill seasonings and rubs might seem like a smart buy because you would not have all of the individual spices on hand, but there's a good chance you don't realize what you already have in your spice cabinet. Many cookbooks now include spice mix recipes, and additionally you will be saving yourself extra salt that would typically be included in the pre-packaged mixes.

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Powdered Iced tea drink mixes

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Powdered teas are usually expensive and you can make your own iced tea from actual tea bags at a much lower cost. If you were looking to make 32 ounces of iced tea, add 8 bags of tea to the water and let it steep until finished.

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Bottled water

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Bottled water is expensive for both you and the environment. Instead, drink water from your tap and put it into your own water bottles. Or, if for any reason  you would prefer not to drink your tap water, buy one gallon jugs of water which typically cost under $1.

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Salad kits

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Salad kits are convenient but they can cost three times as much as just buying a head of lettuce. Buy each ingredient separately and assemble your own salad at home.

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Individual serving snacks

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Individual serving snacks such as 100-calorie snack packs cost much more per unit than if you simply bought a full sized box of the snack and divided the food into individual servings. Use small Tupperware or reusable storage bags and make your own individual serving snacks.

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Trail mix

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Small bags of trail mix found in the grocery store can cost upwards of $10 a pound. You can make your own trail mix at home for much less by simply buying each individual ingredient, and this way you can fully customize what is in the mix. 

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"Snack" or "lunch" packs

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These packs are overpriced for the amount of food that you are receiving. On top of this the food is typically loaded with sodium that your body does not need. Avoid these and construct your own snack or lunch packs with fresh ingredients and a Tupperware container.

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Gourmet ice cream

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Instead of buying "gourmet" ice cream brands purchase store brands and add your own additives to them to jazz up the flavors.

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Pre-formed meat patties

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Pre-made frozen burgers are more expensive than buying the meat in bulk and making your own patties. Buy your ground meat and then make your own patties with chopped vegetables for an added bit of health to your meal.

PHOTO: Flickr Creative Commons: Bob Peters