Individuals often associate healthy eating with expense, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Fast food restaurants and grocery stores are offering more and more affordable healthy options. For example, frozen fruits and vegetables are just as nutritious as fresh, do not contain the extra sugar and salt found in their canned varieties, and are very affordable. Check out your freezer section for blueberries, raspberries, and cherries. Fruits that are not in season can usually be found frozen. As for frozen vegetables steer clear of cheese and sauce varieties and opt for plain peas, carrots, or medleys. Not only will they save you money but they also pack fewer calories and less sodium than the pre-seasoned options.
Grocery stores are carrying more varieties of the foods we love, including healthier choices. Unsalted Saltine crackers are usually the same price as the salted version and fat-free skim milk is often less expensive than full fat Vitamin D milk. They both contain the same nutrients, but skim milk offers fewer calories and less fat than whole milk. When buying ground beef try the 93% fat-free version. It may be more expensive than the 85% fat-free ground beef, but after cooking you will be left with more meat and less fat.
Kristina Macklin
kmacklin@totalwellnesshealth.com
www.totalwellnesshealth.com
