August Fitness: Eating Healthy On A Budget

Many of us are feeling the economic crunch. Stressful times demand resiliency and wise choices, particularly in terms of our exercise and diet habits. You don't have to sacrifice good nutrition for a reasonable grocery bill. Here are some tips on healthy shopping at the market, while staying within a budget.

Go Seasonal – Structure meals around produce in season, and you will see a significant savings. Seasonal fruits and vegetables taste best and are often less expensive than imported out-of-season varieties, so plan to use them when possible.

Convenience Is Not Inferior – When fresh produce is simply too expensive, try frozen, or canned with no added salt. Research suggests that frozen fruits and vegetables are just as good, and in some cases even better than fresh.

Plan Ahead – Another way to cut costs is to design a weekly menu and match your grocery shopping to the meals on the menu. A well-planned menu brimming with healthy meals will reduce the likelihood for waste, especially on produce and other fresh foods.

Try Alternatives – Don't forget that protein isn't just found in meat; try trading lean meats for other protein sources a couple times a week. Beans, tofu, nuts, and eggs all make excellent protein choices that are good for your health and your budget.

The Bottom Line – It doesn't have to cost a fortune to eat healthy. Plan your meals, shop from a list, and make a few adjustments when selecting items and your bill will leave you pleasantly surprised!

Source: Healthcastle.com