Making healthy food purchases can be hard on the budget.
Making healthy food purchases is hard when the price of food keeps going up. The price tags on our food seem to be going up these days and shoppers are noticing. At the same time, we are asked by federal officials to buy healthier foods: more fruits and vegetables. But keeping up with the new nutritional guidelines can be expensive.
According to a study from the University of Washington, following the new dietary guidelines can add almost 10% to your food bill.
Nutritionist Megan Boitano says "we can either be a victim of high costs of food or we can take some action and decrease that cost."
Scripps Hospital Nutritionist Megan Boitano says eating healthy on a budget takes planning, whether shopping the produce aisle or the meat department.
Megan says "the meat is probably even more expensive that fruits and vegetables. Watching our portion size, watching the cuts that we buy and looking for sales and stocking up. Another great way to save money."
The new guidelines wants people to add more potassium into their diet. You can do that expensively or inexpensively with potatoes and bananas.
So the decision to eat better and pay more comes down to individual tastes and sacrifice. But those who've made the switch say it's worth it.