Produce on a a Budget

There is a myth that eating fresh is not affordable. Below are tips on eating fresh on a budget.

• Buy fresh fruits and vegetables: Pre-cut and already prepared foods have an added cost.  Try doing the prep work at home to save money. Do not hesitate to freeze any fruits or vegetables that might be on the brink of rotting.
• Shop the perimeter of the grocery store: Avoid the middle aisles of the grocery store to prevent from buying pre-packaged food so you can spend most of your money on fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood and low fat dairy products.
• Buy frozen produce: Sometimes frozen is cheaper in the grocery store and last longer than fresh produce. Frozen produce has just as many nutrients as fresh, sometime more!
• Include dried beans and whole grain rice: Beans and whole grain rice can be bought in bulk to cut down on cost.  These food items can be added to include complex carbohydrates and fiber to your meals.
• Start a garden: Gardens don’t have to be labor intensive.  Think of adding a couple of flower pots to your deck and plant tomatoes, cucumbers, or peppers.  

DID YOU KNOW? Roses are related to some fruits!

Apples, pears, peaches, and plums, among others, are all members of the rose family. Looks like Edible Arrangements was not too far off when they created a bouquet you can eat!