Colorado Springs, Colorado (KRDO) — Some people try to eat healthy in the New Year. However, health foods are often viewed as too expensive or difficult to prepare, especially due to supply chain issues and rising prices.
Contrary to popular belief, there are many healthy foods and ingredients that were not affected by inflation.
Prices fluctuate frequently, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for in-store sales and sales when planning your meal.
One great tip is to look for store-branded items. In this way, packaging and shipping costs were avoided, and inflation and supply chain problems increased the price of many items.
“Inflation is on everyone’s mind right now,” said Katie McCarelli, public relations manager at Natural Grocers.
Nutritionists recommend buying in bulk to avoid rising costs. Bulk food is almost always cheaper than packaged branded food.
“We have an entire produce department and always buying fresh or frozen will be a great opportunity to get the most affordable prices,” says Karen, director of nutrition education at Natural Grocers. “This is because when we make our meals, it becomes much more affordable than buying packaged foods,” says Falbo.
Bulk commodities may include nuts, rice, pasta, whole grains, legumes, quinoa, oats, lentils, beans, dry goods, and even popcorn.
“These are really affordable and meal-planning staples,” said Karen Falbo, director of nutrition education at Natural Grocers. That’s three quantities you can make with $3, and you can make six bags of what you bought for $3.”
You can use these items to make inexpensive and healthy meals: grain bowls, burrito bowls, stews, overnight oats, and more.
“For example, ground meat is more affordable than steak or roast,” Falbo said.
Another tip is to add produce or frozen vegetables and fruits to your basic diet.
“Items like dried fruit and nuts are much more affordable in bulk than packaged products,” says Falbo.
These items don’t rise much with inflation and pack a lot of nutrients.
“Produce is great value for your money,” Macarelli said. You don’t have to pay for
Another way to make healthy and inexpensive meals is through meal prep. You can make a large amount and freeze it, so you can use it immediately.
“One of the key ways to manage your grocery budget is planning,” says Falbo. “A little bit of planning beforehand can really help you counteract and combat the effects of inflation. month, and then you can incorporate healthier foods.
Nutritionists recommend looking outside the box and looking for recipes with large amounts of ingredients.
“There’s a lot of affordable goods in the bulk section and really nutritious foods that people aren’t used to,” Falbo said. “It’s not hard to make.”
