The theme of this "Eat Cheap" installment is trying something new. That's important because, just like exercise, your body gets bored with the same ol' foods. So next time you grocery shop, pick up a new grain or vegetable, find a recipe and try it. This is a great way to get kids involved, too. It will open up your world and taste buds to new flavors and experiences.

Let's see what meals the Times-News reporters tried, and, more importantly, whether they were healthy.

Smoked brisket sandwich

Virginia Hutchins, I grew up eating brisket, with the best part being leftovers for sandwiches the next day. It is great that the brisket had no fatty chunks, because that cut of meat can have a large layer of fat if not trimmed properly.

The only thing missing in this meal was something green. Coleslaw, salad or a vegetable would have complemented this meal nicely. However, nothing goes together better than meat and potatoes.

I like that Smokin' Cowboys makes its own sauces. Believe it or not, the nondescript white bun goes better with the brisket even though a whole-wheat bun would be healthier. It actually balances the meat and, more importantly, soaks up the delicious barbecue sauce.

As the weather gets colder, our need for heavier, satisfying food is what helps us stay warm. Looks like Smokin' Cowboys fit the bill perfectly!

Bean and cheese chimichanga

Melissa Davlin, I am proud of you for getting out of your enchilada box and trying a chimichanga.

However, any time one eats at a Mexican restaurant, one has to have a chips-and-salsa strategy before entering the building. If not, the entire basket will be gone before you know it. Just ask Melissa.

I'm not saying don't have chips - although that is an option. Rather, tell the waitress to bring them with dinner, or, if you have the willpower of Superman, just take a handful of chips and eat only that amount. Otherwise, you will ruin your appetite or overeat, which is worse.

Since the chimichanga is deep-fried, the enchilada would have been a healthier choice. Melissa, even though you thought the chimichanga was small, it seemed like a nice portion. Especially with the enormous amount of rice and beans La Costa puts on your plate. Half that amount would have been fine.

If you are a vegetarian, be sure to ask if the rice and beans are too. Often, Spanish rice is made with chicken broth and the refried beans with lard.

Melissa, keep trying new things. There are plenty of yummy items on a Mexican menu in addition to enchiladas.

Glow roll

Ariel Hansen, my mother made tongue for us when we were little. I liked it until I figured out what it was and then it was a big ewww!

So compared with that, a nori roll with zucchini, avocado, carrots and nut pate is a piece of cake. Nori is the green sea vegetable sheet that wraps the contents of the roll together. It is loaded with vitamins and minerals and is good for your hair and nails.

It is true: Most of the standard American diet consists of food that is processed and filled with chemicals, preservatives, colorings and additives. I mean, if a twinkie has a shelf life of 20 years, how live can it be? The more processed a food, the less healthy it is for you.

The only thing missing in this lunch for me is a grain, which is hard to make when you don't cook above 118 degrees.

I am glad Glow Live Food is making nice, fresh food. Now vegetarians have a great place to eat and not have to settle for salad. Ariel, this meal sounds much better than tongue!

Garden salad

Melissa, as Kermit says, it ain't easy being green. Being a vegetarian in a predominantly meat-eating world makes it quite challenging to eat out. Ariel hit the nail on the head when she said vegans are often derided as eating like rabbits because most restaurant vegetarian options are salads. Although rabbits would be lucky with this Riverboat Restaurant salad: It has a variety of bright greens and veggies.

Melissa, dipping your bites into the ranch dressing instead of pouring it on is a great way to control the amount of dressing consumed.

I am seriously beginning to think Idahoans have an aversion to vinaigrette dressings. Vinaigrettes are healthier because they contain less saturated fat and cholesterol than cream-based dressings. But if you can't give up your ranch dressing, dip your bites into the dressing like Melissa.

Part of eating healthy is eating seasonally. It is hard this time of year to feel satisfied with a salad. Melissa, without many options you made the best choice you could. Too bad there wasn't a roll or slice of bread you could order to help you feel more satisfied with your meal. I hope the saltines did the trick.

Blackened chicken wrap

Virginia, Pasta Roma is a diamond in the rough. It makes its own pasta, soups and meals per order. I agree: The caponata sauce is delicious and makes you eat more bread that you normally would just so you don't eat the capanota with a spoon.

This wrap is a nice balance of chicken, vegetables and cheese. I am impressed the wrap was topped with Caesar dressing instead of ranch and was light on the Parmesan - which is why I am choosing this meal as the healthiest lunch of the bunch. Nothing is better this time of year than homemade soup and a sandwich.

Jill Skeem is a certified macrobiotic health counselor and graduated from the Strengthening Health Institute in Philadelphia. She can be reached at 208-320-2786, or visit her Web site at www.backtorealfood.com.