A Healthy You: Buying Fruits and Veggies on a Budget

 By Cindy GatesWe all know by now that we need to eat at least 5 fruits and vegetables every day (9-10 is even better). But how can you eat healthy and stay within your budget?Buy in season: Although most fruits and veggies are available year-round, some are less expensive when they are in season, and they taste better, too. Also keep in mind that all forms of fruits and vegetables are nutritious, so canned and frozen forms are good, too. It’s more cost effective to buy a large bag of frozen berries and use as you want vs buying fresh berries and having some of them mold and go to waste.Buy more: when there are specials, buy extra. You can also freeze the extra or make smoothies or toss them in soups.Replace half the meat with beans or veggies in a recipe. This will reduce fat, increase fiber and save you money.Grow your own fruits and vegetables. Many are easy to grow even in pots if you don’t have the space.Visit your local farmers market or join a CSA (community supported agriculture). Store your fruits and veggies in the proper way so they don’t go to waste. Visit www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org to see how to store them. The Sioux City Farmer's Market is now open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the parking lot of Tyson Events Center.Cut your fruits and veggies at home. Pre-cut produce can cost much more than whole fruits and veggies. Shop store brands which can be a great budget choice for many forms of fruits and veggies.A Healthy You is a regular column about nutrition, healthy living and cancer care. It is written by Cindy Gates, RD and LD and the Cancer Center’s Oncology dietitian, herbalist and Certified Wellness Coach.