Why eating healthy food doesn’t have to break the bank

FORGET what they told you about healthy food being more expensive than junk. Leading dietitians say it’s a myth — and there are ways to change your diet, and save money. Here’s how.

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VICTORIAN families can eat healthy and exercise without breaking the bank, according to leading dietitians.

Households have been urged to plan ahead when it comes to doing the grocery shop and hunt around for a good bargain.

Cancer Council LiveLighter nutritionist Alison McAleese said the mentality that people think eating healthy costs more than buying junk was “just a myth”.

Virginia and her daughter Isobel Hunt love fresh fruit and veg. Picture: Mark Stewart

“Writing out a shopping list and planning meals for the week is a great way to not only cut down on cost but also a way to have nutritious meals planned out,” Ms McAleese said.

“Buy seasonal fruit and vegetables as they’re in season and should be at a reasonable price.”

Ms McAleese also recommended families to have at least one meal without using electricity to save on power.

“Try eggs on toast or a fresh salad with tinned tuna to mix it up,” she said.

“Not only is this healthy, it cuts down on using the oven and therefore saves on energy bills.”

Ms McAleese said being active doesn’t mean you have to spend top dollar on a gym membership.

“Instead of meeting a friend for a coffee or meal you could meet them for a walk,” she said.

“Family time can be spent at a local park or outside kicking a ball.”

Virginia Branton-Hunt said it was crucial for her young family to live a healthy lifestyle filled with foods with high nutrition.

“Our kitchen is full of fruit and vegetables, we hardly have junk food in the house,” Mrs Branton-Hunt said.

It’s cheaper to eat vegges than potato chips. Picture: Live Lighter.

Tiny Teddies? What about an orange, it’s cheaper. Picture: Live Lighter.

Pre-popped or pop your own? You’ll save money on the latter. Picture: Live Lighter.

The orange wins again in the price (and health) stakes. Picture: Live Lighter.

“I’m lactose intolerant so healthy foods are always at the front of my mind.”

Mrs Branton-Hunt said her family aims to cook six times a week, including a paleo meal at least once a week.

“My husband and I are very conscious, especially with our daughter, Isobel,” she said.

“I make sure Isobel has a filled fruit bowl at reach for whenever she feels like a snack.”

Mrs Branton-Hunt believes living a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to come at a high cost.

“I hardly ever buy junk foods such as chips, chocolate or lollies so the money I save on those items I’m able to spend on nutritious foods,” she said.

“We buy our staples from Aldi and the rest from Coles or Safeway. I think it’s really important to be conscious of living a healthy and balances life.”

HOW TO BE HEALTHY ON A BUDGET

— Buy seasonal fruit and vegetables

— Try canned fruit (drain juice or syrup), veg, tuna, beans — doesn’t need refrigeration

— Use active travel instead of joining a costly gym such as walking to work, running outside.

— Compare the unit cost of food, stick to outer aisles of the supermarket or try home-brand foods

— Shop at markets

@cassiezervos