Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
This week on Health Watch, we’re talking about cutting your grocery budget without cutting nutrition. A healthy diet needs fruits and vegetables, lean protein, dairy foods and some grains. It is possible to buy these foods without breaking the bank.
Dr. Jo Ann Carson, a registered dietitian at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says meat is expensive, but most of us probably don’t need as much as we eat. Limit meat portion sizes to about the size of a deck of cards. Other inexpensive protein sources include eggs and dried pinto beans — which are the best nutritional bang for the buck. Fresh fruits and vegetables are less expensive when they’re in season, and look at farmers’ markets for bargains. Frozen and canned fruits and vegetables may be less expensive and are usually just as nutritious. Frozen juice concentrate you mix with water is cheaper than fresh juice in a carton. Don’t cut milk off your grocery list. You need three glasses a day, and it’s packed with nutrients.
Visit http://www.utsouthwestern.org/nutrition to learn more about UT Southwestern’s clinical services in nutrition.
