HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Many families have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic but still want to be able to feed their families healthy and nutritious meals. Here are some tips and tricks for eating healthy at a low cost.
When it comes to fresh fruits and veggies, buy them in season. They tend to be cheaper and taste better. Frozen fruit can be used to eat or turned into jams and jellies that go with everything.
As for canned items, make sure they are canned in water or 100% fruit juice and are low sodium.
Grains are also important. They provide fuel to keep you going throughout the day. The most budget-friendly grains are rice and pasta, or even popcorn. Try to make sure these items are whole grain.
Proteins can be expensive, especially seafood. Canned tuna or salmon, or if you like sardines, are low cost and store well. You can also buy family-size or bulk packages of meat and freeze what you don't use.
Eggs are also a great source of protein and can be used in a variety of meals.
As for dairy, low-fat or fat-free milk has fewer calories and has just as much calcium as 2% or whole milk. When buying dairy items, make sure you check their sell-by dates.