Good NutritionPage 5 of 5
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How Can I Make
Shopping Easier?
Plan your meals
in advance. Check your supply of staples like flour, sugar, rice,
and cereal. Make a list of what you need. Keep some canned or frozen
fish, meat, fruits, vegetables, dinners, and soups on hand. These
are handy when you do not feel like cooking or cannot
go out. Powdered nonfat dry milk, canned evaporated milk, and ultra-pasteurized
milk in a carton can be stored easily.
Think about how
much of a product you will use. A large size may be cheaper per unit,
but it is not a bargain if you end up throwing much of it away. Share
large packages with a friend. Frozen vegetables sold in bags save
money because you can use small amounts while keeping the rest frozen.
If a package of meat or fresh produce is too large, ask a store
employee to repackage it in a smaller size.
Learn to read
food package labels. There you will find a list of ingredients. The
first one listed is present in the food in the largest amount. The
ones that follow are present in smaller and smaller amounts. Look
at "Nutrition Facts" for the calories, protein, carbohydrate,
fat, sodium, fiber, vitamin, and mineral amounts per serving. It also
suggests a serving size for
comparing foods. There may be an expiration or "use by"
date on the label or container. At first, reading labels will add
some time to your shopping trip. Soon you will learn which products
are best for you.
Won’t All This
Food Cost A Lot?
Here are some
ways to keep your food costs down:
- Plain (generic) labels,
if available, or store brands are usually cheaper than name brands.
- Plan your menu around
items on sale.
- Prepare more of the foods
you enjoy, and quickly refrigerate the leftovers to eat in a day
or two.
- Or, divide leftovers into
individual servings. Write the contents and date on each package,
and freeze to use within a few months.
- Share meal preparation
and costs with a friend.
- Plan a "pot-luck"
dinner where everyone brings a prepared dish.
The federal government
provides food stamps to help people with low incomes buy groceries.
If you think you are eligible, check with a local food stamps office
or area agency
on aging. Also check with your local area agency on aging or tribal
organization for the nearest senior center or nutrition site. You
may be able to enjoy free or low-cost meals for older people at a
community center, church, or school. These meals offer good food and
a chance to be with other people. Home delivered meals are available
for people who are homebound.
I recommend Wonder Laboratories for the
overall best quality and price when considering vitamins, herbs and supplements.
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