by Pamela Kay

Created on: September 29, 2008   Last Updated: December 01, 2008

Save money and eat healthy at home. Fast food is not only unhealthy; it's expensive. So to, are the prepackaged and processed foods we depend on in our busy lives. Try these tips for how to save money and eat healthy and you may be surprised at how simple it is.

MAKING GOOD CHOICES

*Don't be fooled into thinking organic foods are the only option. They are usually the best choice, but they aren't necessary to insure good health. If they were, we would all be in trouble because they are expensive.

*Your other option is to buy your food in its natural state when you can. In other words, don't buy frozen entrees, instant potatoes and quick cook rice and oatmeal. While convenience is nice, it's also costly, in more ways than one. Here's why:

*The more processed a food is, the more it costs the processor and this is passed on to the consumer. If the added cost doesn't bother you, the end product and how unhealthy it is, should.

*Processing removes some of the nutritional value and natural taste of the food, which the processor must then replace. This is done by adding chemicals, food dyes, salt, sugar and often trans fats, all of which are bad for your body.

BEST CHOICES

*Buy locally grown and produced foods. These will be the freshest and probably the safest foods you can buy.

*Buy organic if you can. Otherwise, buy fresh produce, wash it well and use it as soon as you can.

*Canned and frozen meats, vegetables and fruits are fine as long as there is not a long list of additives such as flavor enhancers and preservatives.

*Buy whole grain products such as breads, cereals and rice.

*Eat less meat and more rice, pasta and vegetables, especially green leafy ones. Make these foods the bulk of your meal and serve small portions of meat.

HOW THIS SAVES MONEY AND PROTECTS YOUR HEALTH

*An improved diet means a healthier you and that means less expensive visits to the doctor.

*Small local farms that raise and butcher meats to sale usually don't use expensive hormones to promote growth. Nor do they pay high transportation costs as grocery stores do. This savings means a lower price for you, the consumer.

*No longer will your food be laced with chemicals, food dyes, excessive salt, sugar and trans-fats. You will control what your family is eating.

*Many local farms also sell milk, eggs, chicken and produce. You can stock up when you visit to buy your other meats and put your freezer and canner to work. You can freeze eggs in an ice tray for baking and do the same with milk.

OTHER SAVING STRATEGIES

*Buy

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