Food Costs

In this economy, every dollar, every penny counts, and finding ways to save is more important than ever! I love to eat healthy and nourishing foods, which can be very expensive. According to a study by the University of Washington almost a year ago, "Energy-dense munchies cost on average $1.76 per 1,000 calories, compared with $18.16 per 1,000 calories for low-energy but nutritious foods." YIKES! That's over ten times more expensive to buy healthier food!

Here are a few things to keep in mind to lower the rising food costs:

• Eat at home
  
• If going out, consider breakfast or lunch as they tend to be less expensive than dinner
  
• When grocery shopping (go after you've eaten with a full stomach)
  
• Make a list before you go to the store
• Plan ahead meals for the week
• Check the fridge & pantry to work with what you have
• Buy seasonal/local fruit and vegetables (tend to be less expensive and more nutritious)
  
• Buy frozen fruit and vegetables = good nutrient quality and less sodium than canned
• Grow your own produce! (many extras can be dried, frozen or jarred)
  
• Add legumes to your diet = more protein and fiber
  
• Add beans to meat dishes to create more for less
• Eat when you're hungry and stop when you're full

I'd love to hear from you! What do you do to keep the food costs down while indulging in nutrient-dense and healthy food?