Eating Healthy on a Budget

HealthWatch for March 2009
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When you’re on a tight budget, the thought of preparing tasty, healthy meals on a regular basis can seem daunting.  However, it is a common misconception that cutting back on food expenses means sacrificing good nutrition.  Some healthier foods do cost a little more, but that doesn’t mean that they should be avoided.  By planning meals and following certain shopping tips, you can be healthier and save money at the same time.  Here are 10 tips from About.com on eating healthy on a budget.

1. Drink more water and less of everything else
2. Buy more frozen vegetables
3. Cook enough to have leftovers
4. Invest in reusable food storage containers
5. Support your local farmer’s market
6. Give up breakfast cereals
7. Limit processed, packaged, and single serving foods
8. Cut out the energy bars and drinks
9. Eat out less often
10. Share entrees

For more information and resources on eating healthy on a budget click on these links.

Local
Akron Children’s Hospital: Eating Healthy on a Lean Food Budget
Cleveland Clinic: Step Up to a Better Eating Class
Cleveland Magazine: The Best Things to Eat (on a Budget)

State and Regional
Marietta Times: Eating Healthy on a Tight Budget
Ohio State University Medical Center: Eating Healthy on a Budget
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center: Eating Healthy on a Budget

National
American Dietetic Association (ADA): Healthy Eating on a Budget
About.com: Eating Healthy on a Budget
Food Research and Action Center: Striving for Good Nutrition on a Tight Budget
Your Total Health: Affordable Nutrition
MSNBC: Eat Healthy on a Budget
The Diet Channel: Meal Planning - Healthy Eating on a Budget