When you’re trying to save money it’s easy to let health and fitness slide to the bottom of the list. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. There are ways to keep your family healthy and save money while you’re doing it.

Organic or Conventional? In general, organic foods have proven to be a more socially conscious and healthy option, especially for growing children. Unfortunately, the fact is that organic foods sell at a higher price than their conventional counterparts, making buying organic all the time an unrealistic option for most people. So how do you know which foods to make priority when trying to save money? Meats, eggs, cheese, and soft skin fruits and veggies should be top of the list for organic priorities. Another option would be to purchase organic products for the kids in your household only. This can all change once your financial situation improves.

Cut down on desserts and do not keep a large amount of sweets in the house. By limiting this type of food to special occasions only (such as birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, etc.), you can save a significant amount of money. Get into the habit of serving frozen fruit pops, sugar-free jello, or sorbets to satisfy sweet cravings after meals. While your children may complain about this switch at first, when faced with a choice of a healthy treat or none at all, they will quickly get used to the former.

We all know how important eating greens are to a well balanced diet, but the produce department is frequently one of the most expensive parts of the store. Instead of purchasing fresh produce, head over to the freezer section and pick up bags of frozen vegetables. Some of the best vegetables for your money include broccoli, peas, spinach, and artichoke hearts. Take advantage of the frequent “Buy 1, Get 1 Free” and “3 for $5” specials that most grocery stores offer weekly.

An even better option would be to frequent your town’s local farmer’s market once a week and stock up on your veggies there. You’ll notice that prices at the individual produce stands are significantly cheaper than at the grocery store- and you’re supporting your local farmers.

Another great way to save money and ensure the health of your family is to remove all sodas and juices from your fridge and pantry. In fact, most juices aren’t even made from real fruit! And we all know the problems that soda can cause- caffeine addiction, tooth decay, cavities, weight gain. Save your family future health problems by switching to a water-only household. Chances are your kids won’t miss what they can’t have. In fact, they may even thank you for it when they’re older!

Posted in Home Budget

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