Times are tough in our economy, and if you always seem to be strapped for cash, you may be tempted to drop certain activities from your lifestyle in order to afford the necessities. For instance, you may opt to drop fine dining at your favorite restaurant or limit your shopping splurges. However, a dangerous trend is forming that could lead to dire consequences: ignoring your heart healthy diet.
Let’s face it -- junk food and fast food are quick and cheaper than some of your other food options. Unfortunately, many of these foods are also high in saturated fats and trans fats, both of which can increase your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In fact, higher food prices at the grocery store as well as easy access to fast foods are causing many to derail from their cholesterol-lowering diets. By following these tips, you can lower the amount of money flowing out of your wallet as well as lower your cholesterol without going to the nearest snack machine or to the drive-thru.
- Plan ahead. If you know that you have a limited amount of time for lunch, or will be arriving late for dinner, why not make some of your meals in advance? You can make a little extra and freeze the rest for another day where you might be too busy to prepare a healthy meal. This will prevent you from spending your extra money on fast food, save time, and keep your diet healthy.
- Make a list. When you head to the grocery store, make a list of things you need and don’t deviate from it. This may seem like a no-brainer to some, but it’s sometimes easy to be tempted to buy items you may not need especially if there is a sale. Making a list will help you stay focused, but it can also help you remember all the food items you will need for the week. A list can also limit your distractions that may lead to more money out of your pocket.
- Look for sales. If you haven’t looked at grocery ads in a while, now is probably a good time to start. Comparison shopping can save you money especially on some of your more expensive, guilty pleasures. You can be notified of sales, clip coupons, and compare prices with other stores by looking at these ads. Additionally, check with your favorite grocery store to see if they match competitor prices. By doing this, you can receive your savings at one place.
- Buy in bulk. Purchasing some of your foods in bulk can also save you money in the long run as well as trips to the grocery store. This is especially good if you have a family of mouths to feed, or if just needed to stock up on some food items. Some grocery stores may have sales that give you some savings if you purchase in bulk, but you can also invest in a wholesale savings club (such as Sam’s or Costco). If the foods you purchase are perishable (such as lean meats, fruits, and vegetables), you can place them in the freezer for future use.
Source:
Rolfes SR, Whitney E. Understanding Nutrition, 3rd ed 2005.
