Healthy Eating On a Budget

We all think that eating healthy means spending more but this is not necessarily true.  The cost of obesity in America outweighs the cost of healthy eating. 

Here are some tips:

• Shop for produce that is in season.  It tastes better and costs less.  Here is a guide to help you find what's fresh and ripe where you live, right now - Eat Seasonal. 
• Research sales at your favorite supermarket online before heading out.  Check the frozen section each week and buy sale items so you always have a variety of veggies in the freezer.  Great for homemade soups.  
• Speaking of soup - make your own soup!  This way you can add as many vegetables as you desire.  You also have total control over sodium and the quality of the contents.  
• Stock up! Be sure to always have pasta, brown rice, barley, oatmeal, wheat germ and beans.  Beans are a great source of protein and fiber.  Brown rice and barley add fiber to soups.  Wheat germ is a great source of fiber, protein, vitamin B6 and folate.  Wheat germ can be added to stews, homemade or store bought pasta sauces and casseroles. 
• Limit take-out or dining out.  A great American convenience for those on the run but we literally pay the price in both our health and our wallets.  
• Microwaveable meals  - create your own!  Why spend more and consume large amounts of sodium when you can just double your recipes and freeze half?  Perfect for chili, soup and entrees.  You may store the leftovers in freezer safe ware.   Perfect for taking lunch to work!  However, be aware of the potential risks of microwaving plastics (paper plates or glass plates are the safest options) - microwaving plastics.

By taking the time to plan your meals and grocery lists, you will gain nutritional benefits as you go easy on your wallet.

For more information on eating healthy visit http://www.eatright.org/ brought to you by the American Dietetic Association.