As the price of everything continues to escalate, I’ve been trying to figure out some creative way to save money on groceries. Somehow, I’ve got to make up for what I’m spending on unpalatable things…like gasoline, for instance.

The way I figure it, we have two choices: quit eating or stop driving.

Since neither seems like a viable option, I began thinking about how to cut my monthly food costs which is one of the few negotiable items in my household budget.

Suddenly, it came to me! Simply cut out one meal a day and bingo — save about a third on the grocery bill. Since I love breakfast, but not necessarily in the morning, I decided to do breakfast for supper and dinner for brunch.

Golly. I think I’ll write a book — “How to save 33 percent at the supermarket without clipping coupons.” It should make the best seller list the day it’s released!

Not only will I save at the supermarket with my two meal a day habit, I bet my health will improve from the fewer calories consumed.

The last best-selling diet book I read recommended six meals a day.  I tried it, but spent all day in the kitchen, and gained seven pounds!

Look. We only feed our pets once or twice a day, and they get along just fine. There are people in this world, even this country, who can barely manage one meal a day. We can all afford to cut down on our eating habit.

Who started the tradition of “three squares a day” anyway? That might have worked for folks down on the farm, but not for city dwellers in the 21st century whose primary exercise is performed on a keypad — with their thumbs.

So, this week I’ll be doing my first meal around 10:30ish and last one at 4:30ish. Then, I guess I’ll just go to bed.  I never get hungry while sleeping anyway. Perhaps I can train myself to dream about eating lobster and filet mignon — thereby reducing any feelings of deprivation.

Here are a few perks of my program:

* I won’t be running the dish washer or using kitchen appliances so often — ergo, save on utility costs.

* I can have pretty much whatever I want (within reason) — I figure each meal can have as many as 700-800 calories.

* I will also have less risk of cavities compared to grazers — especially if I brush after each meal.

Scientific studies indicate that eating less helps you live longer. You better begin saving money now, so you can still eat and drive, well into your Golden Years.

(Emily Jones is a retired journalist who edits a website for bouncing baby boomers facing retirement. She welcomes comments at www.deludeddiva.com.)