8 ways to eat healthy on a budget

Solid Screen: Eating nutritiously can be expensive, but you can cut costs without shortchanging your health.

  1. Don't leave home without a list. Plan for what you need and no more. Avoid snack foods and items not on your meal plan.
  2. Buy in season. You'll find deals on peak produce at your local farmers market or stand. Ask about seconds.
  3. Cook once, eat twice. Chop leftover chicken breasts from dinner for a lunch salad tomorrow. No waste!
  4. Choose canned and frozen produce. These fruits and veggies can be affordable and healthy, and they don't spoil. Skip added sugars, salt and fat.
  5. Make Mondays meatless. Beans are inexpensive, filling and protein packed. Spice and serve on whole grains and in soups.
  6. Pass over pricey name brands. Store brands and generics cost less without cutting quality. Check for coupons to save even more.
  7. Buy from bulk bins. Get just the amount you'll use before an item expires. This helps you buy less and avoid waste.
  8. Don't drink your calories. When you choose water over soda, sports drinks or alcohol, you save money — and boost your health.

Guidance from the experts at Mayo Clinic.