Unless you grow your own food or have a ranch with livestock, you need to get to the grocery store to restock your food supplies from time to time.
Grocery shopping is definitely something we all have to do, even though choosing the right foods can be quite difficult. Additionally, trying to find low-priced healthy food items can be nearly impossible in today's economic climate. To assist you with your affordable healthy grocery shopping, these following tips can help make things easier than ever:
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1. Never, ever go grocery shopping on an empty stomach. Your wallet will greatly appreciate it.
2. Fresh fruit & meat is almost always less expensive than its pre-packaged counterpart. But, if you just have to get canned goods, select fruits and tuna that are packed in water, not oil or syrup.
3. Look at the labels for the words "hydrogenated" or "partially hydrogenated". The earlier you see them appear on the list, the higher the amount of unhealthy trans fatty acids the food will contain.
4. Skinless poultry is very convenient, but if buy it "skin on" and take the time to remove the skin prior to cooking you could save 25% or more over the cost of the prepared version.
5. Leaner cuts of meats are the kings of the butcher's case, but they may also cost you a king's ransom to purchase. Simple solution: look for a slightly less leaner version of the cut or even a different type of meat to save some cash. Sometimes for just a few cents more the butcher will even trim excess fat from the "cheaper cuts". Just ask.
6. Give cantaloupe a try. At just 95 calories, half of this healthy melon will provide more than a day's supply of Vitamin C and beta carotene. In season, cantaloupe can actually be one of the most affordable melons available.
7. Don't get suckered into the latest "yogurt health craze" by buying yogurt covered by nuts or raisins. Did you know that the "yogurt coating" is normally made completely of refined sugar and partially hydrogenated oils? When you carefully compare them, these products tend to be twice as expensive as buying a real yogurt-based product.
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8. Fruits and nuts are the best snacks to indulge in. Sometimes though, your budget may not realistically allow it. In that case, try some low fat & low salt versions of classic treats such as pretzels, ginger snaps, and angel food cake.