Make Cents of a Healthy Diet

O ne of the great myths of healthy eating is that it’s expensive. Making healthier choices can actually save you money when you know how to shop smart. To help encourage healthier communities, the American Heart Association and Aramark have simple tips to keep in mind as you seek out affordable, nutritious and tasty food options for your family: Shop with a plan in mind.

Taking a list to the store helps limit impulse purchases, but it’s okay to make smart swaps while shopping if items you’d normally use are on sale. Consider your fruit and veggie options. Locally grown, seasonal fruits and vegetables are often reasonably priced for recipes like this Mediterranean Chicken and Grain Bowl. Canned and frozen options, meanwhile, can be just as nutritious as fresh options. Cook once, eat twice.

Choose recipes that make enough food to enjoy fresh for one meal and as leftovers later, such as this four-serving CurrySpiced Tofu with Asian Vegetables. Buy in bulk.

Look for items with long shelf lives like whole grains and non-perishables such as canned beans and vegetables. Focus on dishes with limited, common ingredients.

They are easy to prepare and allow you to avoid purchasing items like rarely used spices. Develop a budget.

Assess your current food expenses each week. Multiply by the number of weeks that month to find your monthly food budget and determine if this fits with your other monthly expenses.