Eating Healthy Within Your Budget

Eating healthy doesn't mean spending moreWhen eating out, pick a restaurant that offers a
money or buying expensive healthy foods. Youvariety of healthy foods. Try to avoid going to
can eat healthy on a budget by planning aheadall-you-can-eat or buffet places, otherwise, you will
and choosing healthy foods that give you morebe tempted to overeat. Choose low-fat,
nutrition for your money. As a matter of fact, iflow-sodium or other healthy foods from the
you stick to your list and budget, you might find itmenu. When it comes to sauces or dressing, tell
less costly to eat healthier.the server that you want it on the side instead of
Budget Shoppingmixing it with the food so that you can control
To save money, buy store brand items insteadhow much to put.
of name brand products. It will also be wise toAlso, you might want to consider sharing your
use free grocery coupons, look for sale items orfood with your spouse or companion since most
use supermarket discount/membership cards.of the time, restaurant servings are big. If you
Start planning your healthy meals and healthywant to order something else, you might want to
snacks in advance. Take a shopping list everytell the server to put half in a "To- Go" box so
time you go to the grocery store and be sure toyou don't end up eating everything. By doing
only buy items on your list. Before you shop, it willthese, not only will you be able to save money,
be good to check store flyers to look forbut you will also be able to control the amount of
nutritious foods and ingredients that are on sale.food you eat, thus being able to stick to your diet
Most often than not, these store flyers have freewithout having to spend a lot.
grocery coupons that will help you save money.Government Programs For People With Limited
Use it and take advantage of these money-savingBudget
coupons.If in case you need any financial help in buying
You can also save a lot of money when you buyfoods, research about programs that offer
large packs of food. If you do this, you mightassistance to seniors with limited budgets. The
want to share half with a friend or familygovernment offers food stamps that will help pay
member. It's true that large packages may costfor groceries. This program is available to
less per pound, but it will only be considered alow-income people, who do not have enough to
bargain if you will use all of it. If you don't, youbuy food. The good thing about this Food Stamp
end up throwing some, whih will actually cost yougovernment program is that it also encourages
more, rather than buying small sized foods.good nutrition and health.
If you really want to stay healthy, be sure toAnother program of the Federal Government,
select nutritious food by choosing fruits andwhich low-income older adults can take advantage
vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, fat-free orof, is the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition
low-fat milk products. Avoid or limit sweets andProgram. Under this program, the federal
other junk foods that give you fewer nutrientsgovernment gives seniors, coupons that can be
that end up costing you more money.used at farmers' markets, roadside stands and
Remember, before you buy any product, try toother places. The coupon can be redeemed for
assess and think about how much you will use. Dofresh, nutritious, locally grown fruits and
not buy plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables ifvegetables.
you know you won't be able to consume beforeYou might also want to check different senior
the "use-by" date. Remember, fruits, vegetables,center in your community that offer free or low
poultry, fish, meat, seafood, dairy products andcost-meals. Check the yellow pages for senior
eggs are perishable. It is important to check thecenters or places of worship in your area to get
expiration date or the "use-by" date marked ontheir contact information. Sometimes, delivered
the package before you purchase these items.free meals or low-cost meals may also be
Dinning- Out on a budgetavailable for people who cannot get out. Contact
If you prefer to eat out, find out if the restaurantthese places to get more information.
offers senior discounts, early bird specials, budgetYou can also contact your Area Agency on Aging
meals and other promotions, which you canby calling the Eldercare Locator toll-free at
definitely take advantage of. You can also check1800-677-1116. They can give you more
your mail, newspaper, magazines or the Internetinformation about different senior programs in
for restaurant coupons in your area.your area.