Posted October 10, 2009
Making healthy food choices can be difficult for those dealing with heart disease and diabetes. Factor in a tight budget and deciding what to buy and how to cope can be increasingly difficult.
To help consumers stick to a healthful eating plan without breaking the bank, Jonni McCoy, a frugal living expert and the founder of MiserlyMoms.com, has partnered with the American Heart Association to offer these tips:
–Plan your meals each week. By planning ahead, you can check the nutrition facts of a meal before you decide to make it and create a detailed grocery list for easy shopping.
–Shop for seasonal produce. Fruits and veggies are less expensive during their peak growing times.
–Avoid eating out, as most restaurant visits come with extra-large portions and extra-large price tags. And options at fast food restaurants are typically loaded with excess fat, salt and sugar.
–Eat before you go shopping. Going to the grocery store on an empty stomach will make you more likely to buy on impulse.
–Frozen vegetables and fruit are just as satisfying, and typically just as healthy, as fresh produce. But check the nutrition facts to confirm that no extra sugar or salt was added.
–Limit red meat in favor of healthier and less expensive sources of protein. Fish, such as tuna, has omega 3 fatty acids that are good for the heart. Nuts and beans have a lot of protein also, but make sure you review the salt content and eat appropriate portions because nuts tend to be high in fat.
Date: October 1, 2009
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