Fruits and Veggies

One excuse I've often heard for not eating fruits and vegetables is that they are

$ ...too expensive... $

Luckily that is one barrier that can be overcome with a little bit of work.
Here are some tips on how to find fruits and vegetables at a price you can afford:

• Buy fruits and vegetables that are in season. Not only will this be cheaper for you, but it might allow you to try new things. Look here for in season fruits and veggies.
• Shop around. Don't buy all your fruits and veggies at the same store. Grocery stores will have different sales on different produce each week. Check the local paper for what is on sale where. I often go to 3 or maybe 4 grocery stores each week just to get the best deals on vegetables. Try to arrange your shopping trips for when you're out anyway so you don't waste gas.
• Pick your own. Not only can you save money picking your own produce, it's a great activity to do with the whole family, you get some extra exercise in, you get to spend time outdoors, all while supporting local businesses. There are several pick-your-own produce farms in Utah County. For some ideas of where to go, click HERE.
• Talk to friends, family, and neighbors. Let everyone know that you're in the market for cheap fruits and veggies. That way when someone sees a great sale, they will think of you and let you know. You can also share recipes and success stories.
• Buy in bulk. A few months ago I found broccoli on sale for $.29 a lb! Normally, broccoli is around $1.50, so you bet I was excited. I bought nearly 6 lbs of broccoli, took it home, and immediately froze it. When you find a great deal, go overboard. Research how to freeze that particular produce and then make room in your freezer. If you don't have room, toss the ice cream. ;-)
• Don't buy pre-cut. Fruits such as watermelon, mango, and several others often come with the option of pre-cut. It is almost always cheaper to buy the whole fruits and then slice them on your own. Also, seeded watermelon is almost always less expensive than seedless.
• Go beyond the produce section. Canned and frozen fruits and vegetables can be nutritious as well. If you find good sales in those sections, by all means, check them out. Just be sure to check the ingredients and be sure to avoid lots of sugars and sodium.

If you still think produce is too expensive, please consider the following:

• Fruits and veggies fill you up. Try starting your meal with your fruits and veggies. Wait until you've had enough before you bring out the main dish. I guarantee you will eat less of your entree. What does that mean? Leftovers! You have an entire second meal you weren't expecting. That should leave you some extra cash to grab your produce.
• Fruits and vegetables reduce other costs. You probably are very aware that fruits and veggies are good for you. They have essential vitamins and minerals that will keep you healthy and energetic. Fruits and veggies will reduce your health care costs, saving your life along with your bank account.
• Think of the children. Introducing children to fruits and vegetables while they are young is important in so many ways. First, children need the vitamins and minerals found in fruits and veggies to grow and develop properly. Second, childhood obesity is on the rise. Substituting fruits and veggies for unhealthy foods will keep your children out of the dangers that come with obesity such as type II diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and a myriad of other diseases. Also, introducing children to fruits and veggies while they are young will allow them to develop healthy habits that they will continue for the rest of their lives.
• More matters. Visit the Fruit and Veggies More Matters website for more reasons to sacrifice for fruits and veggies.

This is one week's worth of fruits and vegetables for 2 people, and came to $7.50 using the above tips.

Happy shopping!