Ways to Eat Healthy on a Budget

According to a 2005 study conducted by the Public Library of Science and published in the journal "PLoS Medicine," people who exercise, drink alcohol in moderation, eat five servings of fruits and vegetables per day and don't smoke live on average an additional 14 years compared with people who adopt none of these behaviors. Although some people may perceive eating healthy to be expensive, eating healthy doesn't have to break the bank.

Eat Whole Foods

• Eating whole foods is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to eat healthy. "Whole foods" are foods that are in their natural state and don't contain any preservatives or artificial ingredients. Stock up on healthy whole foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans and whole grains.

Eat Less Meat

• Meat is a very expensive part of the weekly grocery bill for most people. Cutting back on the amount of meat you eat is a good way to eat healthier on a budget. Buy a food scale and weigh your meat into 3- or 4-oz. portions. Choose lean, less expensive cuts of meat like chicken breasts, turkey breasts, sirloin and flank steak. Pick one or two nights a week to eat a meatless dinner.

Shop the Sales

• Go to more than one grocery store each week and look for sales on healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables and fish. The extra time you spend at the grocery store can lead to extra money in your pocket. Clip coupons and look at the ads in your local paper to find the best deals on healthy foods each week.

Buy Organic Foods Selectively

• Organic foods are expensive. Certain foods have tough outer skins that are difficult for pesticides and other potentially harmful ingredients to penetrate. This means you shouldn't spend the extra money buying organic versions of some foods, such as bananas, avocados and oranges. Only buy organic produce from the "Dirty Dozen list," which the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to use public information "to protect public health and the environment," created to warn consumers about the most pesticide-laden fruits and vegetables. This list includes peaches, apples, bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, pears, grapes, lettuce, potatoes and spinach.

Stay at Home

• Making your own meals each day can save a substantial amount of money. It also gives you greater control over your portion sizes and the amount of healthy foods you eat on a day-to-day basis. Choose your favorite food and look for a healthy recipe for that food online. It's a fun way to turn your favorite unhealthy meals into healthy ones.

Shop Locally

• Shopping locally is not only great for the environment and your local economy, it's also great for your health. Find your nearest farmer's market by going to the Local Harvest website and buy fresh fruits, vegetables and meats from your local farmers every week. You'll pay less money and get fresh food that's straight from the farm.