Does Eating Healthy Have to Be So Expensive?

With the cost of food rising, it's hard not to noticein-season, local produce as much as possible. Shipping
that some of the healthier choices we can make withfood in from another continent significantly adds to
food, cost more than their unhealthy counterparts.your costs.
Organic foods cost more than inorganic. Lean meatsAdd more beans and whole grains to your diet. Think
cost more than cheaper cuts. Whole grains costabout the proportions of food you eat and calculate
more than highly processed white flour products,your cost per meal of some of your favorite meals.
white rice, and other refined grains. Fresh vegetablesMeals where meat or other pricey foods are the
and fruits have gotten very expensive. Butter ismain ingredient will of course cost more than meals
more expensive than margarine, and never mind thewhere they are used more like a condiment.
trans-fat-and-saturated-fat-free-healthy-alternative!Check your fresh foods at least once a week and
Here are a few quick tips to help you reduce youryour pantry foods at least once a month and use up
costs while still eating healthy food.the oldest food before it spoils. Quite a significant
Look for food co-operatives, bulk food stores, ethnicportion of our food spoils without our ever eating it.
grocery stores, and farmer's markets or openKeeping on top of the food you have and storing it
markets in your area. Often their prices forproperly can save you as much as 30% on your
vegetables, fruits, whole grains and cheeses arebudget.
much less expensive than at supermarkets. BeWhether you are an apartment dweller or own your
careful though, if you find a place that requiresown home, you can probably grow some of your
membership -- include the cost of that membership inown food during at least part of the year, even if it
your total food costs before you compare.is only herbs on the windowsill. Give it a try and
Purchase fewer prepared foods. This goes for meals,enjoy. Gardening is fun!
snacks, everything. Learn to make for yourself. Buy