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    $5 Dinners | Budget Recipes, Meal Plans, Freezer Meals

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    Ways to Save on Fruits and Veggies

    November 29, 2011 by Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom 4 Comments

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    As a registered dietitian, one recommendation that I make to almost all of my patients is to increase the number of fruits and vegetables that they consume. Why? Produce is bursting with nutrients, low in calories and high in fiber. They help control blood sugar and weight while nourishing the body. In fact, research has shown in folks that eat 9-10 servings per day have reduced cancer risk.

    But what is one of the most common reasons that I hear on why people can’t consume enough? Price. “I can’t afford to eat more fruits and vegetables”, my patients lament. The good news is that fruits and vegetables can easily fit into a tight budget.

    Here’s how:

    1. Rely on low cost staples: There are several fruits & veggies out there that are lower in cost no matter the season. Make these the foundational produce that you buy. Even though they are low in cost, they are still excellent sources of nutrients.

    • Inexpensive veggies: cabbage, carrots, potatoes, celery, onions, garlic
    • Inexpensive fruits: bananas, apples, oranges, cantelope and honeydew melon

    2. Find variety in loss leaders: Plan your meals around what veggies & fruits are on sale that week. Often, these loss leaders are what is in season.

    • Fall: pumpkin, apples, acron/butternut/spaghetti squash, sweet potatoes, cranberries
    • Winter: beets, grapefruit, oranges, tangerines, celemintines
    • Spring/Summer: blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, watermelon, asparagus, green beans, grapes

    You may have to look outside your traditional supermarket to get the best prices. Here in Chicagoland, I shop at local produce markets in addition to my grocery store to get rock bottom pricing on produce. Other vensues that may work for you are: CSAs, farmers’ markets, Aldi and Costco/Sam’s Club. These alteratives may beat your local supermarket on produce prices. Supplementing with your own garden’s bounty is also a great way to save!

    3. Fill in the gaps with preserved produce: You can routinely find frozen vegetables for $1 per pound (my go-to price) even without coupons. Wait for a sale and use coupons to get a wide variety of frozen veggies. Or freeze them yourself when your own favorites are in season (usually last around 3 months). Frozen vegetables not only offer great pricing but are just as nutritionous as fresh as they are frozen right after picking. Other inexpensive options are canned vegetables (rinse before cooking to reduce sodium content), canned fruits (look for those that are canned in extra light syrup or fruit juice) and dried fruits such as raisins.

    By filling your cart with low cost staples and adding variety through seasonal & preserved produce, you can nouish your body and prevent disease by consuming lots of fruits and vegetables despite your tight budget.

    Here’s to health!

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    Filed Under: Healthy Snacks, Recipes from the Garden, Savings, Shopping

    Comments

    1. Crystal @ Frugal Family Table says

      November 29, 2011 at 7:42 pm

      I live in an area where there are no CSA’s (unfortunately). I participate in a food co-op that only has pick up on Saturdays. It cuts down so much on cost, but only supplies fruits, vegetables and breads. However, I find I have cut down costs since I started using it.
      We also just bought our first house so I’m excited to have garden produce starting next year!

      Reply
    2. Sabrina says

      December 22, 2011 at 9:56 pm

      Bountifulbaskets.org is a great co-op if available in your area.

      Reply
    3. interior design says

      December 26, 2011 at 2:46 pm

      great and awesome

      Reply
    4. certified nutritionist says

      April 5, 2012 at 12:15 pm

      I spend most of my time living in New York City, as our home base and I am surprised how delicious and inexpensive the street vendors fruits and veggies are.

      Reply

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    I’m Erin Chase…

    Also known as the
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    I have a little problem. I cannot make a meal that costs more than $5.
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