Healthy Tips on Food Shopping for Your Body and Your Budget

Hi fellow Gather members! I’m new to Gather and wanted to introduce myself. I’m a dietitian and author of “The Dish On Eating Healthy and Being Fabulous!”

I think we’re all feeling the pinch at the grocery store lately, so over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing my tips to help you and your family “shop healthy” while saving money. It doesn’t have to cost more to buy healthy foods and sometimes it even costs less! My posts will focus on things like meal planning myths and facts – which foods provide the most or least nutrition – and how to economy-proof your grocery list.

Speaking of budgets, escalating food costs are taking a bite out of them, but one thing you can’t afford to cut back on is nutrition. Here are a few tips to get you started:

·         Look for whole grain breads, cereals and pastas to pack a powerful nutrient punch for your dollar. From pita breads to pizza crusts- there are more whole grain versions available than ever.

·         Stock up on canned or frozen fruits and vegetables when they’re on sale. Most provide the same nutrition as fresh produce, some even more! So save some green on your greens.

·         When your discretionary income falls, think about it as an opportunity to cut discretionary calories. Don’t waste your money on foods and beverages that don’t have much to offer nutritionally, like sugary sodas, and reach for milk instead. 

Why milk? Check out this image from www.whymilk.com. At about 25 cents per 8 ounce glass, on a gallon basis, milk offers more nutrients per penny than almost any other beverage option in the supermarket – providing key vitamins and minerals like calcium and vitamin D that are important for the entire family. In fact, a new health claim acknowledging the vital role of vitamin D together with calcium for maintaining good bone health and reducing the risk of osteoporosis could soon be appearing on milk cartons, so even more good reason to “milk your budget.”

    Milk Nutrient Comparison Chart

That’s if for now, but I’ll be submitting another article next week. Please let me know what you think---and what you’d like to know! I look forward to hearing from you. And, hang on to your grocery lists! Next week I’ll be asking you to submit yours. I’ll take a look and give you some tips on how to stretch your grocery dollars even further, nutritiously and economically. Oh, and I promise it will taste great, too!