22 | www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com Although inflation has been easing a bit, grocery bills are still high, and sometimes eating healthy food can seem pricier than grabbing less nutritious supermarket options. Despite rising costs, you can still manage to eat healthy on a budget. It just requires a little planning and preparation. “It’s important to understand that healthy eating does not have to be more expensive than eating out,” said Joanna Smyers, a registered dietitian with Bon Secours St. Francis in Greenville. “It can save time. It can save money, especially if you’re cooking in bulk or planning meals ahead of time.” Smyers recommended focusing meal planning on lean proteins, low-fat dairy, nonstarchy vegetables, fruits and complex carbs – foods that will provide your body with protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. You want to eliminate foods with saturated fats such as high-fat proteins or processed, fatty or fried foods. This approach has the added benefit of helping with potential medical concerns such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and nutrition-related diseases including heart disease and obesity. Smyers suggested beans and legumes as two great protein sources. SHOPPING HEALTHY: By Colin McCandless NUTRITIOUS MEALS THAT DON’T STRAIN YOUR BUDGET
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