Healthy Eating on a Budget

Overview

You want to eat a nutritious diet, but it isn't always easy. Fast food is cheap and plentiful. But eating a lot of fast food can wreck your health. With a little effort, everyone can find healthy, affordable options. Here's how.

Plan

First, do some planning before you shop. Try to plan out meals and snacks for the week. Don't forget to look through your cabinets, fridge and freezer for things you can use in upcoming meals.

Compare

Next, compare prices. Visit your local grocery stores and see what they offer. Sign up for shopper loyalty cards. You can save a lot by clipping coupons from the newspaper. Find digital coupons on the internet or with your store's app. And use manufacturers' coupons during a store sale for even more savings.

Shop smart

Shop smart. Avoid foods with added sugar, salt and saturated fats. Buy fresh vegetables and fruits that are in season. Canned or frozen fruits and vegetables are great options, too, and often cheaper. For grains, instead of white bread, white rice and plain pasta, choose items like whole-grain breads and cereals. For protein, consider eggs, beans and peas. If you can, buy meat in bulk and freeze what you don't use. Try canned tuna, salmon and sardines. And don't buy soft drinks or juice. Drink water instead.

Prepare

When you make some recipes, you can end up with leftovers. Freeze them for later in the week. Or, think about other tasty ways to use them. Things like salads, soups, stews and stir-fries let you stretch expensive items to make more portions.

Conclusion

With careful planning, everyone can eat healthier, even on a tight budget.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.