How to Eat Healthy While Saving Time and Money

You Are What You Eat

No, eating a burrito will not actually turn you into a delicious Mexican food, but the statement “you are what you eat” does have some truth. Having a lifestyle that includes high amounts of fruits and vegetables provides your body with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber that all help to keep you at your healthiest. This means having about half of you plate or meals include fruits and vegetables. Research has shown that people who eat more fruits and vegetables have a lower risk of developing heart disease, obesity, cancer and stroke. Not only that, but eating a variety of produce helps you to have more sustained energy throughout the day and a healthy digestion. To reap the many benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables, begin by aiming to eat 3 servings of fruit and 4-5 servings of vegetables a day and see how your body will thank you! Think about adding a banana at breakfast or a side of carrots at lunch! If all of these great benefits for your health haven’t convinced you, keep reading to find out how eating fruits and vegetables can be both delicious and easy.

Planning and Buying In-Season

A helpful way to eat more fruits and veggies is to have a plan before you start shopping. Start by planning out some meals that you want to make before, including lots of produce, and make a list so you will purchase everything you want. Don’t feel pressured to buy and eat foods you know that you don’t like, there are tons of other options out there! In the grocery store, the fruits and vegetables are always along the outside perimeter of the store so familiarize yourself with all the great options. A cost-effective way to eat more fruits and vegetables is to buy them when they are in season. The picture guide below will help you know what to look for throughout the year. Another great option is to buy frozen or canned foods, which are picked at their peak. They can provide the same nutritional benefits of fresh foods but can be less expensive and last longer. Lastly, try seeking out your local farmers markets as this can help you to buy large amounts of produce that is fresh and in season.

Washing, Prepping and Enjoying!

You’ve just returned from the store with all of your great purchases so where do you go from here? I’m sure we’ve all been there when you buy a bunch of great vegetables, put them away and forget about them until they go bad. Instead, start by washing all of your goods in running cold water. After that, take some time to do some prepping to have easy ingredients on hand throughout the week. Try chopping up some celery or cucumbers to have as an easy snack for dipping in hummus. Cut up some sweet potatoes, zucchini and broccoli to roast in the oven and store in the fridge as an on hand easy addition to dinners. Also, chopping up your favorite fruits ahead of time is an easy way to add more fruits to your diet. You can prepackage them into Ziploc bags and grab one to take to work as a snack or add to oatmeal or yogurt. Don’t be intimidated to try new vegetables like that weird looking new squash you have seen before. You can even eat the same dishes that you know and love but add some extra fruits and veggies in them. I like to put spinach in my smoothie for a hidden serving of vegetables. Try making zucchini noodles and adding them along with your favorite pasta dishes. Lastly, keeping portable fruits in your house or desk like oranges or bananas is a great way to have an on the go snack that will easily help you eat more fruit. Remember to keep exploring new recipes and new foods, don’t be afraid to experiment and really make your meals your own!