September 1, 2022
Food is Fuel for Your Body
“Fill Up” with Cost-Conscious Healthy Choices
By Lisbeth Irish RDN, CDN, CDCES
Food prices are climbing nationwide, and rising costs can create stress. It’s harder to eat well when just putting enough food on the table is so challenging.
It’s possible to save some money on healthy food by making thoughtful choices. Here are five ways you can save time, save money, and eat healthy.
- Buy “in-season” fruits and vegetables. Buy frozen or rinsed canned fruits and vegetables when fresh produce is outside of your allotted budget.
- Limit your portions of protein. Protein-rich foods are usually the most expensive items in your shopping cart. The recommended serving size of most protein sources is 3-4 cooked ounces. Many people eat twice that much at a meal.
- Vary your proteins. Try some meatless meals. Make a “bowl” meal with some rice, beans, salsa, and a little cheese, or a veggie omelet.
- Drink water and avoid costly beverages. Save your money for food.
- Plan your meals by using a grocery list. Impulse buying costs more.
For more ideas on how to fuel your body with healthy food and save money, visit:.
SNAP-Ed NY website
SNAP-Ed USDA
Lisbeth Irish RDN, CDN, CDCES is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist with the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA). She has over 25 years of experience working as a Registered Dietitian in a variety of settings and currently oversees the NYSOFA SNAP-Ed Nutrition Education program for older adults in New York State. Lisbeth is also a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. She attended NY Medical College and has a degree in Nutrition from SUNY Oneonta. Lisbeth enjoys reading, nature, and traveling. Lisbeth says she feels very fortunate to be working with such a dedicated group of professionals at NYSOFA.