Eating Better on a Budget

Eating more fruits and veggies doesn’t have to break the bank!

Why should you eat more fruits and vegetables? It’s true what they say – you are what you eat! Adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet can help you from getting sick. They are low in calories with no saturated fat and no added sugar or salt.

Eating more fruits and vegetables can help you feel and look great. They are a natural source of energy that fuels our bodies with the nutrients we need. This can help reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.

MyPlate

You should fill half your plate with fruits and veggies. Mix it up with lots of colors and whole fruits, then fill in the rest of your plate with grains, protein, and dairy. This change can make a huge difference in how you look and feel!

Make a plan

If you have a busy schedule, it can be hard to make it to the grocery store and you may opt to do your shopping at your local convenience store instead. Convenience store prices are usually higher, with little choices for healthy fruits and veggies. By planning ahead and making a trip to the grocery store, you can save money and find healthier food options.

Make a plan before you go to the store.

• What are you out of?
• How many different meals can you make with a few main ingredients?
• What meals do you want to eat? Take requests so you know the food won’t go to waste.
Once that list is made, stick to it! Avoid wandering down aisles for items not on your list and don’t shop when you’re hungry. Making a plan and sticking to it will help you save money and buy healthy foods.

Save money

You can save money by checking store ads, using store loyalty cards, and buying non-perishable items such as canned and frozen foods in bulk when they go on sale.
Compare fresh, frozen, and canned options. You can pay less for one option and still get all of the healthy nutrients!
• Fresh: Many foods are affordable year-round, or you can choose them when they are in season or on sale.
• Frozen: Frozen is as good as fresh, as long as there are no added sauces or butter. They last longer and they usually cost less.
• Canned: Canned produce is a great choice for savings. Be sure to check the label for no salt added and rinse off any heavy syrup.

As long as you’re filling half of your plate with any kind of fruits and veggies you’re on your way to eating right!

Tip: Check the Unit Price

You can get the best deal on an item by comparing its unit price to those of similar items. You’ll pay less per pound if you choose the option with the lowest per-pound or unit price.
If you buy food in bulk, you can end up saving time and money! It starts with just one small change, and we’re here to help.

Learn how to eat healthy with our helpful videos!

Learn how to eat healthy with our helpful tip sheets!

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