CBS "Early Show," Saving Money, Eating Healthier

Saving money while eating healthier seems unrealistic. Author of Feed the Belly and Health Magazine Senior Food and Nutrition Editor, Frances Largeman-Roth joined Erica Hill for an interview on Saturday morning's edition of the CBS Early Show. Here's a recap of her valuable how-to advice on the win-win of saving money while eating healthier.

Farmer's Market

A major factor in saving money while eating healthier, Frances Largeman-Roth suggests, is getting fruits and vegetables in the least processed state. Visit your local Farmer's Market to obtain the freshest fruits and vegetables. Another tip, "Shop with the season," Largeman-Roth tells CBS Early Show. "If it's not in season, you don't need to buy it. Refrain from buying strawberries and stick with apples and pears."

A good hint for the Farmer's Market is shopping late in the day. The Health Magazine editor explained you get better prices at that time because they're about to close. Farmer's want to get rid of the fresh fruits and vegetables and don't want to haul them all back.

What should be avoided at the Farmer's Market is baked goods and crafts. Largeman-Roth told Early Show, "The prices for pies, baked goods, candles, and things like that are going to cost you a lot of money. Stick to the fresh produce."

Food Co-Ops.

Food Co-Ops require membership, but can save you a lot of money. "There's only a 20% markup versus a 60% markup in the regular grocery store," the Health Magazine editor shares. "It does take a lot of work, so if you can't fit that into your schedule it may not be for you," she advised, when it comes to saving money while eating healthier.

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is an organization that mails "mystery boxes" of healthy foods. Largeman-Roth said, "For $400-$500 a year you get a mystery box sent to you - that works out to be $20 or $25 a week. It's the cheapest way to go, but because you never know what you're going to get, you may end up with a box full of produce which may not be your favorite. " Host, Erica Hill of CBS Early Show added, recipes are included with items in the box. So, it's good for trying new recipes or sharing what you don't want with colleagues or co-workers. For more information on Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) log on to http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/pubs/csa/csa.shtml .

Warehouse Clubs

Warehouse clubs are worthwhile if you have a family of four or more. Largeman-Roth used Costco as an example of a warehouse dedicating an entire floor to produce. "There is a membership fee that is the only downfall," the Health Magazine editor noted. Warehouse club memberships are not as economical for small families due to the membership fees and bulk products you purchase.

Local Grocery Store

When your grocery store is the only available option, view the weekly specials, look online and find out what the best deals are. When saving money to eat healthier she insisted, "Buy what's in season because that's what's going to be the cheapest right now."

For more tips on saving money eating healthier food, check out CBS Early Show's partner-in-health affiliate, WebMd.com and key in "eating on a budget."

Source:CBS Early Show Saturday, November 28, 2009