On a Budget? 9 Ways to Eat Healthier

Between specialty food stores and going organic, it can get pretty pricey to eat your best. Luckily, there are tons of actions you can take to not fall into this food trap. It all comes down to planning ahead. I've compiled the tips you need to get on your way to a week of eating beautifully for $36.  To start eating pretty for cheap, get your shopping list and the day-by-day menu.

Buy In Bulk

To get the best value in the food world, start buying in bulk. Bagged apples are cheaper than individual apples and a case of chickpeas at a warehouse store (for fabulous hummus you can make at home) will cost much less than an individual can from your local grocery store.  

Keep A List And Plan Ahead

You've got the menu, now make the list (and stick to it). Budget experts say that making a list and sticking to it can help save you hundreds of a dollars a year on your grocery store bill. Making a list helps in the avoidance of the "impulse" purchases we end up making for products we don't really need. 

Grocery Deals

Look for (and only take advantage of) the healthiest grocery deals. Dried beans, nuts, whole grains, lean meats, dairy, herb products and produce are items that you'll want to stock up on when a sale occurs in your local store. Meats and whole grain products can be easily frozen for use at a later date.  

Buy Generic

In taste tests, consumers rarely tell the difference between the generic options and their brand name favorites. 

Go Dried When You're Using Herbs

 The cost difference between fresh parsley, basil, rosemary and thyme is huge. Dried herbs last and provide great flavor to any dish! Another option is to grow your own herbs. You can do it year round with a few pots and some TLC.

Sign Up For A Store Card

 Most grocery stores provide reward cards to customers that can be used to save additional bucks when shopping on certain items. No card, no deal.

Go Green

Bring your own shopping bag (some stores credit you for this) and seek out local produce.

Forego Convenience

 You'll pay more if you buy your food products pre cut, pre-skinned, etc.

Make More

If you find that a recipe on your 14-day budget menu seems too much for one person, make it anyway and freeze it to enjoy at a later date.

Excerpts taken from "On a Budget?  9 Cheap Ways to Eat Healthier" By Kristin Kirkpatrick, R.D.  Read more at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/02/cheap-healthy-food_n_986778.html?ref=healthy-living-body#s378507&title=Buy_Generic 

Best Teen Diets recommends a well balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat or fat-free dairy. We offer nutrition information for parents, teens, and teachers that emphasizes the importance of healthy eating for teens. For more information visit http://www.bestteendiets.org/ which is currently going through some changes to get more content and should be relaunched shortly!