Eating a Healthy Diet While Poor: A First-Person Guide

Unemployment statistics aren't shaping up, and the impact isn't just financial. Unemployed Americans also face rising fuel costs and poor food availability, affecting their physical well-being. Eating a healthy diet while facing this crisis seems almost impossible.

Earlier this year, I also faced the same challenge. After facing numerous financial hardships, I barely had any money left over to purchase groceries. A quick mind and careful budgeting helped me get through this tough situation. Here's how I managed to build a spending guide for eating healthy on a budget.

1. Although processed food is convenient, it isn't the best way to save.

For example, a packaged meal of pasta and chicken may be convenient for a quick meal, but doesn't stretch as far as a package of fettuccine noodles, Alfredo sauce and chicken breasts. They're usually cheaper too -- a packaged meal may cost a dollar on average, but a package of pasta can also cost a dollar or less, depending on where you shop. Obviously, the pasta can last longer than a simple, pre-packaged meal.

Packaged meals are also high in sodium and other unnecessary preservatives. By making your own food, you can control your meal's nutritional content while saving money.

2. Stock up on cheap vegetables.

No matter where you shop, these vegetables are guaranteed to be cheap and nutritious:

* Carrots

* Potatoes

* Celery

* Cabbage

* Green onions

* Canned corn

* Canned peas

* Split peas

These vegetables are essential for a healthy diet. They're packed full of vitamins that prevent malnutrition. In Minnesota, I can easily find these vegetables for less than a dollar. Occasionally, my local grocery store also has potatoes on sale for less than a dollar, which I buy in bulk.

3. Stop buying oil.

Although canola or vegetable oil is excellent for cooking satisfying meals, it's rich in fat, calories and isn't the cheapest buy. Instead, switch out oil for chicken broth, which is healthier but still adds plenty of flavor despite its high sodium content. You can cut down on the sodium by thinning the broth with water.

Let's review my tips on how to eat healthy when you're poor:

* Make your own food instead of buying pre-packaged meals.

* Stock up on cheap vegetables.

* Switch oil for chicken broth.

Here's one additional tip -- when you can't save, try couponing. This is a method that matches up coupons with grocery store sales to significantly lower a food's price. It's not uncommon to buy food for 50 percent less than its retail value using this method. In a couple of instances, you can even get food for free because the combined sale price cancels out the retail price.

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