EATING WELL FOR LESS

One of the first excuses people give for not following a healthy diet is that it costs too much money. The truth is, eating healthy can be a cost savings for most families. After all, if a bag of potato chips costs $3.49 and a bag of oranges costs $2.49, money can be saved and more nutrients gained.

Here are some suggestions on how to eat well for less money:

eat beans more often as an entree or meat substitute
select fruits and vegetables that are in season and freeze some for later
eat smaller portions if you are overweight
purchase whole grain cereals that provide the most fiber for your dollar
instead of ice cream, purchase ice milk at a lower cost and with less fat
buy in bulk and freeze perishable foods
drink water or ice tea rather than soda
buy extra nonfat milk or low-fat meat when sale priced and freeze the extra for later
eat seasonal fruit for snacks rather than chips or junk foods
select vanilla wafers or graham crackers rather than other higher cost, higher fat cookies
buy plain rice or pasta rather than pre-seasoned mixes
buy generic brands
cut coupons and watch for sale items in the local newspaper
use sharp cheddar cheese for more flavor with smaller amounts
try less expensive store brands
make casseroles with less meat and more grains

Eating healthy, nutrient-dense foods can save you money on your weekly grocery bill and improve health. For more information about healthy eating, contact your local chapter of the American Dietetic Association, call their national 24-hour Nutrition Information line at (800) 366-1655, or visit their website at www.eatright.org.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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