We could all use some inspiration when it comes to healthy meal planning and thrifty grocery shopping.
Helpful hints for those activities and more will be offered in a workshop via Zoom at 10 a.m. Wednesday, led by Molly Marshall, health and human sciences educator for Purdue Extension Jackson County.
The virtual one-hour class is free to the public and will focus on planning healthy meals without breaking the bank.
Marshall will discuss creating a grocery store game plan, the best ways to prepare and plan meals and smart shopping advice.
Also covered in the class will be ideas for saving money, maximizing nutritional choices in the store and suggestions for stocking the kitchen, she said.
The class is for empty nesters, those just starting out or anywhere in between.
“There will be something for everyone, whether you have young children or teens in the house,” Marshall said. “Also, empty nesters that are adapting to buying less food than in previous years and seniors who like to cook at home and want to save some money while doing so.”
Register by sending an email to [email protected].
For those who sign up for the online meal planning and budgeting class but cannot attend at the scheduled time, a recorded link will be emailed to view at a more convenient time.
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture also offers advice for healthy eating on a budget.
- Make a plan before heading to the store, which can help you get organized, save money and choose healthy options.
- To get the most for your dollar, compare prices to find the best buys on fruits and vegetables, which can be found in the produce, frozen foods and canned goods sections.
- Grains are an important part of our diet and are located in many areas of the store, including the bread, cereal, snack, pasta and rice aisles. Check ingredient lists and pick the items that have whole grain listed first.
- Protein foods can be found throughout the entire store. Some good low-cost protein foods include beans, peas and lentils, which cost far less than a similar amount of other protein foods.
- Eggs also are a great low-cost option that is easy to prepare, too.
- When shopping for dairy foods, choose low-fat or fat-free milk, cheese and yogurt.
- Instead of buying sodas or other sugary drinks, water is easy on your wallet and has zero calories. A reusable water bottle is a great way to have water with you on the go.
- Save time, money and calories by skipping the chip and cookie aisles.
- Choose the checkout lane without the candy, especially if you have kids with you.