Eating Healthy on a Budget

By: Melissa Hughes, Dietetic Intern

Learning Objectives:

• Explain what a healthy plate looks like

• Describe at least 2 benefits of eating a healthy diet

• State at least 3 tips for eating healthy on a budget

Who here feels that eating a healthy diet is expensive?

What does a healthy diet look

like?

Make ½ of your plate fruits and vegetables

Make at least ½ of your grains whole grains

Switch to fat-free or low-fat milk, cheese and yogurt

Vary your protein sources

Cut back on sodium and empty calories from solid

fats and added sugars

Stay hydrated – drink plenty of fluids throughout the day

Why should we eat a healthy diet?

Promotes Health

Promotes Energy

PromotesHealthy Weight

PromotesHealthy Digestion

How to eat healthy on a budget

Buy fruits and vegetables that are in season

Plan meals around

what is on sale

Canned and frozen fruits & vegetables are just as

nutritious as fresh

Compare unit prices to find the best value

Plan meals before going to the grocery store

Include whole grains and beans in your meals

Cook in big batches

How to eat healthy in the freezer aisle

Look at the food label

Look for meals that follow the MyPlate guidelines

Add vegetables to make frozen meals more filling

and nutritious

Today we talked about:• What a healthy plate

looks like• The benefits of eating a

healthy diet• Tips for eating healthy

on a budget

What is one thing you’d like to

remember from the presentation today the next time you go to

the grocery store?

Creamy Lemon Dill Greek Pasta Salad

References

• ChooseMyPlate.gov• National Institute of Aging• AuthorityNutrition.com• Today’s Dietitian