Wednesday, November 12, 2008

4 Best Inexpensive, Healthy Foods

I don't know anyone who isn't trying to scrimp and save right now. I think about every dollar I spent at the grocery store and I am trying very hard not to waste food.(even when my toddler throws it on the floor-5 second rule, right?)I love this information from Media Source It really does help me out at the grocery store!

If you spend any time at all in the grocery store, chances are you’ll spend a lot of money. The price of food has jumped 7.5% in the last year alone, more than twice the rate of medical costs.

Even though food costs more, you don’t have to sacrifice nutrition. Experts say there are plenty
of low-cost highly nutritious foods, and a few you should put on your next grocery list. Like most of us Kelly Urse has felt the bite of her budget when it comes to fixing food for her family, which means she and her daughters have to plan their meals more carefully than ever before. “We shop the ads, we look for those flyers that come every week in the neighborhood newspaper, and we’re certainly looking for coupons,” says Kelly.

Experts say in an effort to save a little money, many of us often buy cheaper, more processed
foods, which can be unhealthy. So scientists and dietitians from Ohio State University Medical Center have identified some of the top foods for staying healthy on a budget.

It all starts with the TOMATO. “Always cheap, no matter what time of year it is. You can buy tomatoes already canned with a lot of extra herbs and spices in them,” says Shirley Kindrick, PhD at Ohio State University Medical Center. Researchers at Ohio State have found that cooking tomatoes concentrates their power to fight diseases like cancer.

So registered dietitian Shirley Kindrick says, tomato soups, pastes, or spaghetti sauces are a cheap healthy idea, and if you want to cut down on the price of meats... “One of the first things that comes to mind is BEANS. Beans are an excellent source of protein and what’s our highest-cost item in the grocery store? It’s our meats,” says Kindrick.

Next, an inexpensive item you may not have considered, but Kindrick says cooking STEEL OATS in a crock pot is a great meal anytime. “We often overlook the importance of oatmeal, but that’s a whole grain. One that we know will lower our cholesterol,” says Kindrick.

And lastly, buy cheap, DRY PASTAS, even macaroni and cheese, to make the most of leftovers.“So throw in that broccoli, maybe you have some leftover meat, throw that in there and you’ve got a great meal for not very much and it didn’t take you very long,” says Kindrick.

If you are a savvy shopper, please give us more tips! What do buy at the grocery store that is inexpensive and healthy?

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

Methodist Medical Center's new online healthcare program, MyMethodist eHealth, is a proud sponsor of this blog post. MyMethodist eHealth is the secure link to your doctor's office that lets you request appointments, order prescription refills, update your personal health record, and more. Sign up for MyMethodist eHealth here.

3 comments:

Maria said...

I try to keep to the outside, fill up on in season, local if possible fruits and veggies and plan meals around them. I also stock up and freeze/preserve/dry fruits while they are in season. Around and after Thanksgiving, you can find cranberries for half the price of most any other time of year. Buy when they are on sale and freeze whole, dry them, or preserve (can them) to save year round. It takes planning and storage space, but I think it is worth it!

Jennifer said...

I try to do one meal a week that's soup, then I eat the leftovers for lunch for a day or two. Soup is a great way to use beans and lots of veggies. I make a meatless chili that has beans, tomatoes, and diced zuchini and shredded carrot. Very filling.
I also try to make breakfast for dinner one night per week. Egg beaters are expensive, so I just used 3 whole eggs and 3 egg whites, and put whatever leftovers we have. Tomato, garlic, spinach and feta cheese is especially good.
Jennifer

Jen Christensen said...

Fabulous tips! Thank you and keep them coming!

 
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