Affinia Healthcare is celebrating National Nutrition Month by encouraging patients, community members and staff to improve their eating habits for a healthier lifestyle. In this week’s post, check out ways to eat healthy on a budget.

Healthy Eating on a Budget
If you’re making healthy food choices and, on a budget, it does not have to be costly. Here are 10 tips to help you shop, cook, and eat healthy on a budget.

Use what you already have.
Before you head to the store, look in your freezer, cabinets, and refrigerator. Make a note of what
you currently have on hand. Use these items in your meals for the week to help save money and
reduce food waste.

Try new recipes.
Search for new recipes online based on what you have already.

Think about your schedule.
Choose meals you can easily prepare when you don’t have a lot of time. Save recipes that take
longer for days when you have more time.

Plan to use leftovers.
Think about larger recipes with enough servings for multiple meals. This can reduce the number
of ingredients you need to buy and save you time preparing another meal.

Make a grocery list and stick to the list.
You will save money by buying only what you need. Check out the grocery store flyer for
weekly deals on ingredients.

Don’t shop when you’re hungry.
Shopping after eating will make it easier to skip the tempting snack foods, leaving more of your
food budget for vegetables and fruits.

Buy in season.
Buying fruits and vegetables in season can lower the cost and add to the freshness! For example,
look for fresh strawberries in June/July. If you’re not going to use them all right away, buy some
that still need time to ripen. Freeze fresh berries when they are on sale to have ripe, delicious
berries all year round.

Cook once…eat all week!
Prepare a large batch of favorite recipes and double or triple the recipe. Freeze single-serve
portions in individual containers to use throughout the week.

Fill your plate with fruits and veggies.
They’re loaded with nutrients, help promote good health, and can help you feel fuller, longer.
Choose a variety of colors for a mixture of flavors and textures.

Drink more water.
Stay hydrated by drinking water instead of sugary drinks such as soda or sports drinks. Keep a
reusable water bottle with you to always have water on hand.

For additional information, contact WIC Manager Meagan Scalfano at 314-814-8494 or mjobin@affiniahealthcare.org.