Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to eat in a cost effective way. Here’s some tips experts suggest.
SAN ANTONIO — We are seeing sticker shock everywhere lately from the gas station to electric bills, but also at the grocery store. In this edition of Healthy SA, we look into how you can have healthy eating habits without breaking the bank.
Even if your budget may be close to busting, there are steps you can take to keep more of your cash, while making sure your food keeps you as fit as possible.
Going canned instead of fresh is one option, and those items are packed at their peak nutrition.
“You don’t have to worry about eating it within a certain amount of days, because when fresh foods sit in our refrigerator or sit on our countertop, they do lose nutrients over time. So that’s one great way to think about it,” said Courtney Shrauder, a UnitedHealthcare registered dietitian and health engagement consultant.
The Mayo Clinic has these tips to help you save money while eating healthy.
At home, take an inventory of what you have to avoid buying duplicates.
- Plan your menus for the week.
- Make a list of ingredients you need for each meal.
- Plan snacks and treats ahead of time.
- Scan store ads for deals.
- When shopping, eat a snack beforehand so you aren’t hungry and tempted to buy more.
- Avoid shopping alone which can lead to impulse buying.
- Stick to your list.
- Avoid prepacked meals.
- Limit sodas, chips, and sugary cereal.
But whatever you choose to buy, research prices.
“Typically, if you want to look for sales on those, that’s a fantastic way to get some whole foods and nutrient dense options while still trying to remain budget friendly,” Shrauder added.
For the more than 2.7 million people living with diabetes in Texas, or more than 12% of the population, eating healthy before or after finding out you have diabetes is a must for your overall health.
‘People with diabetes are actually twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease,” said Aimee Dyess, a Teladoc Health health coach. “So heart healthy habits like walking after meals and choosing whole foods actually help protect against both conditions.”
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