Eating healthy needn’t be complicated or burdensome. Americans are seeing diseases such as diabetes and heart disease skyrocket. Children are also experiencing diseases that only adults were affected by years ago. Diabetes and obesity are major concerns for our children. Exercise and nutrition are very important factors in creating a healthy lifestyle. This article will give you tips on how to eat healthy without breaking the bank or shopping at hard-to-find stores.

In your typical grocery store, try shopping at the periphery of the store. This is where the fruits, vegetables, and refrigerated items are kept. These items typically stand alone without added preservatives or chemicals added to them (there are exceptions). The mainstay of your diet should be fruits and vegetables. Five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables is what one should shoot for. Try out vegetables you may not normally buy. Stir fry is one of the easiest ways to incorporate more veggies into your diet. Instead of serving yourself or children snacky foods like potato chips or junk food, try cutting up veggies and giving them some great healthy homemade dips. In the periphery of the store is where you typically find fresh cuts of meat and fish. Look for free range cuts and dress them the way you want. Frozen counterparts may have preservatives added. Having total control over your food sources is so rewarding.

Try to avoid heavy shopping in the middle of the store, or in the aisles. However, the bulk section is one area that I frequent. Usually in the bulk section you can get whole grains at discounted prices. Look around, you might find a fresh new grain. In this section you can purchase your baking supplies and learn to bake your own bread and fun food, such as cakes and desserts. Store bought items of this nature are generally quite expensive.

Browse the bookstore and find your favorite cookbook. Pick one with easy recipes that will transition you into making most of your homemade meals. However, you may want to find one that is more challenging. Involve the kids and you will discover a fun pastime and they will learn to eat foods that they may not have liked.

Try to make it to your local farmer’s market. Especially in the summertime, you will find the freshest and best ingredients for your family. It is a win-win situation, in that, you are paying the farmer directly and the cost is usually less than what you would spend at the grocery store. Try reading “The Santa Monica Farmers’ Market Cookbook: Seasonal Foods, Simple Recipes, and Stories from the Market” by Amelia Saltsman.

Try it for a month and see what you think. I am certain that you will be feeling better, looking better, and saving money.