The short answer is absolutely not.
While some fresh fruit, vegetables and top-of-the-line meats and fish can be pricey, there are plenty of options in the grocery store that are healthy and affordable.
Here are my tips to help stretch your food dollars for a healthy diet:
- Buy fresh fruits and vegetables in season when they are at their peak quality and least expensive.
- Stock your freezer with simple (no added sugar or sauces) fruits and vegetables in resealable bags that allow you to use as much as you need without waste.
- Consider alternative protein sources like beans, nuts, tofu and quinoa that can stand in for meat, fish and poultry.
- Eat a meatless meal once a week.
- Canned foods are usually less expensive than fresh, and if you choose lower sodium varieties and fruits in juice (not syrup), they can be just as nutritious.
- Plan your menus in advance using coupons and supermarket circulars to take advantage of items on sale.
- Save money by limiting the amount of extras or treat foods that taste good but generally offer little nutritional value.
Provided by Kathleen Zelman, MPH, RD. Kathleen Zelman is a nationally-known nutrition correspondent, editor, and contributing writer of diet and nutrition articles. She currently serves as Director-at-Large on the ADA Board of Directors, and received the prestigious American Dietetic Association (ADA) Media Excellence Award for her contribution and commitment to educating consumers about food and nutrition issues through the media.