Spending Less and Eating Well
by Tricia Vogt, Mount Mary College Dietician Intern

With tough economic times and high food costs, many families find it hard to eat healthy every day. The temptation may be to turn to cheaper, less healthy foods. But it’s still possible to eat well and spend less.

While you may be able to save money now on boxed, canned and pre-made foods, in the long haul these same items could lead to health problems and expensive medical bills. Pre-made foods such as canned soup and lunch meat have a lot of salt that can raise your blood pressure. Pre-made bakery items and frozen TV dinners have a lot of fat, which is bad for your heart and can lead to weight gain.

It’s important to eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables every day because these foods can help prevent cancer, protect your heart and keep your weight and blood pressure at a safe level. Eating healthy may sound harder and more expensive than it really is, so here are some tips to help you save money while eating healthy:

 

• Order fresh produce and lean meats from SHARE. • Cook with eggs, now offered by SHARE! • Use coupons and rewards cards at grocery stores. • Buy store brand whole grain breads and frozen or canned fruits and vegetables. • Buy foods in bulk, such as whole grain pastas and rice. • Do most of your shopping around the edge of the store where the healthiest foods are found—not in the aisles. • Look for cheaper forms of foods, like nonfat dry milk and dry beans that only require some soaking. • Buy blocks of cheese and cut slices as you need them.

Using some of these easy tips can protect your wallet and your body. By purchasing with SHARE and planning ahead for your grocery shopping, you can eat well, protect your body and save your cash!