Eating healthy on a budget

Barbara

It's about that time of year when the new faces I've been seeing at the gym since the start of 2009 begin appearing less frequently. Ah yes, it's the time when those resolutions made just three short months ago fade away, and we revert back to our 2008 selves.

My health resolution wasn't about the gym, but rather eating healthier. Let me rephrase: To eat healthier while staying frugal.  Frankly, it's a difficult task, especially when those dollars seem to go further on a fast food value menu than in the produce section.

Healthy food can add up quickly, so here are some tips for those of you who, like me, find their resolution motivation is waning:

• Buy produce in season.  Fruits and vegetables that are in season will not only cost less, but they'll taste better, too.
• Grow your own food. You can get a good idea of what will work in your area with resources from your local Cooperative Extension office.  Don't forget herbs and spices, too! Even if you don't have space to grow an expansive garden, anyone can put a tomato plant by a window, right?
• Stock up on sales. Buy more of your standard non-perishable items when they're on sale. You can even make your own snack-sized servings with reusable plastic storage bags instead of paying more for pre-packaged goods.
• Freeze bulk food. If you find a sale on meat, buy more than you need and freeze some for later. Or when that garden is so fruitful you can't eat it all, freeze extra strawberries, zucchini, etc., to use later.
• Substitute a different protein. Yes, meat can be pricey. But different proteins, like beans, can be a less expensive option.
• If you have to pick fast food, make smart choices.  You can find healthier, inexpensive options, but you have to look for them.

It's nothing groundbreaking, but sometimes all us resolvers need is a little reminder. Are there any other methods you use to keep meals healthy on a tighter budget?