Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois

 

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March 22, 2013

Fit Facts: Better Nutrition for Less Dough

Eating a healthy diet is the key to good nutrition, which affects your family’s health and well-being. But as gas, housing and child care costs rise, buying nutritious foods can become more difficult.

These suggestions can help you stretch your food dollar:

  • Shop around. Compare similar products by reading the unit price and the nutrition facts label.
  • Buy fruit and vegetables when they’re in season.
  • Don’t shop for groceries when you are hungry. You’re more likely to buy junk food, which is expensive and unhealthy. Make a list and stick to it. Stay out of the aisles that don’t contain items on your list.
  • Buy store brands if cheaper.
  • Purchase some items in bulk or as family packs, which usually cost less.
  • Pre‐cut fruits and vegetables, individual cups of yogurt, and instant rice and hot cereal are convenient, but usually cost more than those that require a bit more prep time.
  • Good low‐cost items available all year include:
    • Protein — beans (garbanzo, black, cannellini)
    • Vegetables — carrots, greens, potatoes
    • Fruit — apples, bananas

Sources: Choosemyplate.gov; Letsmove.gov

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A Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company,
an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.