Eating Healthy On A Budget 9/3/15

Eating healthy meals can be a challenge even when you aren't on a strict budget. The folks from Cooking Matters at Solid Ground gave us some tips to help stretch your dollar and get the best quality food for you and your family.

-Canned and frozen fruits and vegetables are picked at the peak of freshness. This means that they retain the nutrients and flavor without the short shelf life of fresh fruits and veg. Canned or frozen produce is usually more affordable than fresh when outside peak growing season.

-Stock your pantry with a few staples to bulk up your meals and make them more nutritious. Try adding frozen spinach to your next pasta dish or canned beans to soup. These items add vitamins and minerals as well as fiber which helps you feel fuller for longer.

-Think of recipes as guidelines, not strict rules. You can substitute similar items that might be on sale or readily available at the food bank. For example, you can use rice instead of pasta or swap out different vegetables in many recipes. This will give you some variety as well as allow you to take advantage of the best deals.

-A bit of planning can save you a lot of time and money. Making and portioning out food ahead of time can save you from needing to buy expensive prepared food while you are out and about. It will give you more control over what you eat as well as save you a lot of money in the long run.