Maybe people cite the reason that they don't eat healthier as it is just too expensive, but that doesn't have to be the case. The truth is an individual can eat healthy, and cheap, with a little planning and selective shopping.

MSNBC.com and Today Show nutrition expert Madelyn Fernstrom advises her patients to make a list before going to the grocery and tells them to never shop on an empty stomach, as this will lead to impulse purchases. She also says that shoppers should look for sales on fresh fruits and vegetables, and to try generic brands that have the same nutritional content as brand name items, but at a lower price.

Webmd.com suggests nutritional items that can be bought in larger quantities and are cheaper by the serving as well as being healthier than less expensive foods. Brown rice is an alternative to white rice, potatoes, or other starchy foods usually used for side dishes. At about ten cents for a ¼ cup serving it is also economical. Whole-wheat and multigrain pastas are also inexpensive. A 16-ounce box usually runs under $2 and will yield 8 servings. Frozen vegetables, especially store brands or generics, are a great way to cut carbs and fats out of the diet and save money as well. Frozen veggies come in many varieties, and usually a bag or box will contain between 8 and 16 servings for a price usually not over $2.50.

Buying sodas, juices, and other drinks is a black hole for your dollar, and a good way to add sugars, additives, and calories to your diet. Filtered tap water is the cheapest way to slake your thirst and it's usually the same purity as expensive bottled water. Instead of buying fruit juices just buy the fruit. Eating your recommended daily allowance of fruit will provide the juices and nutrients naturally, and without the cost of bottling and labels.

A budget is by no means a reason to skip out on a healthy diet. With proper planning, some minor lifestyle changes, and common sense the wallet and the body can be healthier.

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written by NITROFORCE, January 29, 2010

Healthy is always cheaper. People don't want to believe that but most of the cost of foods come from the prep work. Pick the right foods and take the time to learn how a kitchen works and you WILL save money and have a more healthy intake of nutrients. You don't have to eat exotic foods to be nutritious.

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