SHOP SMART & SAVE HEALTHY FOODS ON A BUDGET

10 TIPS ON HOW TO BUY HEALTHY FOODS

People often express their opinion about how much money it cost to buy healthy food, but those same people will have no problem dropping $200.00 on an electronic device, Coach purse or a hair do. Ladies and gentleman, you know who I am talking to. What good will it do, if your hair, nails, and handbag or cell phone look great, but your insides are all jacked up? Healthcare, including your hospital bill, will cost a lot more. I'm not saying, to not take care of yourself, but that taking care of the inside should be your priority. Savings is not just about how the money is spent, but it is also about getting organized. Quality shopping requires mapping out a strategic plan of not only what to get, but how and where to buy food items.

Healthy foods can be found at the following grocery stores: Central Market, Trader Joe's, Kroger, Sprouts, Farmers Market, Albertsons and even Walmart have some organic fresh produce. Avoid processed food items that are typically found in boxed, packaged or canned foods. Shop in the fresh produce isles where live food is stored. Organic foods should be considered first, especially when buying foods that grow in the ground, such as potatoes, onions, and garlic. Additionally, organic berries (strawberries, black berries, blue berries, etc.) are better choices; these items tend to be contaminated with pesticides. Check out these 10 Tips; Save and Live!

1. Eat a balanced nutritious meal before you shop. This will help you stay focused on the shopping, instead of eating, which can be a distraction and may cause you to spend more on unhealthy foods. It also diminishes the temptation to snack in-between meals.

2. Create a grocery list and stick to it. Sticking to the list will help you save because it will help you become more discipline and help you not to add items contrary to your list.

3. Shop at health food stores where you can buy food items in bulk. Bulk items usually cost less. Shop locally for food items that are in season. Local, Seasonal food items are less likely to cost more.

4. Use Coupons, bring back the old tradition of cutting coupons out the newspaper, great money saver

5. Bring your own bag. Most healthy food stores will give you a discount on your purchase, if you bring a shopping bag that was purchased at that particular store. Every penny counts.

6. Shop on scheduled sales day. If the store typically have sales on Wednesdays, then shop on Weds.

7. Shop for vegetables first. Make sure you get super foods that yield more nutrients ahead of time, don't compromise on the veggies.

8. If shopping is a chore, try shopping in the early morning or late afternoon hours to avoid the traffic.

9. Read the Ingredients, This will save you from having to go back to exchange or throw things away you didn't mean to purchase. It will also help you save on gas by not having to drive back to the store.

10. Relax, Have fun, Bring A friend! A supportive friend will have no problem holding you accountable.