Eating Healthy on a Budget Doesn't Have to Include Ramen Noodles.....

First, we’ve all been guilty of going grocery shopping on an empty stomach, and doing so means not only choosing more, but choosing foods that you wouldn’t normally buy because we are on more of an impulse to satisfy our immediate need vs. provide nourishment for the family. In this case, having a shopping list and sticking to it can be tricky. I recommend setting aside a certain time of the day or week that you know you will be shopping, and put it on the calendar, as you would any appointment. That way, you can take a little time prior to scan the weekly flyers and see what’s on sale, make a list, and have time to eat ahead of the trip. In addition, packaging can add extra dollars and cents to your bill if you are buying convenience foods that are cute little prepackaged 100 calorie snacks, or have pretty pictures and colors on the front. Try to but in bulk, if possible, and individually portion out the servings whe you get home, for an easy grab when packing your lunch. Check out the labels! For example, if you see a bread that is dark and dense, don’t assume that it is packed with fiber and vitamins. Generally, most breads on the market are colored with molasses or carmel coloring, and have less than 1gram of fiber per serving. A good pick is a 100% whole grain bread that has at least 3-5 grams of fiber per serving... Are you trying too hard? What I mean is, you don’t have to go crazy with organic if you really can’t afford to. Get savvy on which foods are higher in pesticides that you may want to choose organic, and the others can be a non GMO conventional version. Some high pesticide produce you may want to get organic are: Berries, cherries, bell peppers, celery, potatoes, lettuces/kale, peaches/nectarines, apples and grapes. Think your drink! Are you buying unnecessary drinks that are “empty calories” or containing artificial sweeteners”? I find it boggling to see people who are on a strict diet reaching for a soft drink vs. good ole’ water... Lastly, ONLY use coupons of a food you would have bought anyway without having a coupon....most coupons are for novelty items that generally cost more, contain low nutrients, and state you have to buy more to even get a discount....use your common sense on that one. So, I hope this helps you to be a little more savvy and consider shopping as an art, that takes skill and consideration....you will be doing yourself good!!