7 affordable health food hacks

You want to eat healthy, but when you see a basket full of “all natural” and “organic” items ringing up at the grocery store register, your budget is blown. Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), even a “thrifty” food plan costs an average of $975.80 per month for a family of four. The highest-cost plan measured by the USDA can run as high as $1583.50 per month. (The USDA’s figures are based on estimates for healthy food and beverages that can be purchased and prepared at home for a household comprising two adults between 20 and 50 years of age and two children aged 6 to 8 and 9 to 11 years.)

Though the costs can add up, nutritious eating can pay off in terms of overall health and well-being. From meal preparation to picking seasonal produce, here are seven simple tips that will help you fuel up healthfully without breaking the bank.