Dieting on a Budget

If we are strategic, it is possible to diet healthy on a budget. By choosing the right kinds of food, investing in appropriate kitchen tools, and planning ahead, we can become trim and fit.

Nutrition expert, Joy Bauer, has a number of useful tips which can be easily implemented:

Eat like a vegetarian. Lentils and eggs are low in calories and high in fibre.

Pinch pennies on produce. Bauer suggests that we buy whatever fruits and vegetables are in season. Apples, oranges, grapefruit, and bananas are always available and usually last for a week or so. The cheapest vegetables are broccoli, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, celery, and onions.

Switch to frozen. Many of us have grown up believing that frozen fruits and vegetables have fewer nutrients. But, that is not the case. Because these foods are flash frozen at their peak, they contain the same amount of nutrients as their fresh counterparts. Frozen vegetables can save dinner-prep time since washing and cutting are not required. Frozen fruit can be used in smoothies, low-fat muffins, yogurts, and salads.

Sharpen our tools. Many experienced cooks suggest that we should invest in a chopping knife, a utility knife, and a sharpener. If they are kept razor sharp, we can power through a stack of vegetables very quickly.

Chew sugarless gum. According to Bauer, this is a healthy vice. Sugarless gum will send a blast of flavour to our taste buds and prevent us from nibbling on cookies or other sweets. And, four out of five dentists recommend chewing sugarless gum after eating if we don't have a toothbrush handy.

Plan ahead. It takes less than 20 minutes to make a list and check the flyers for sales and coupons. This will avoid any junk food or unnecessary purchases.

Buy in bulk. Many foods like spices, rice, and whole grain pasta can be found in bulk bins; money will be saved since there is little packaging. Bauer suggests that we buy as much as possible in large containers and then reportion the items at home.