Choosing Heart-Healthy Foods on a Budget
By Stephen R. Farris
When it comes to choosing foods for a heart-healthy diet plan, you might think your budget isn't big enough to support this idea. But it's not always the case. There are ways to shop for a heart-healthy diet and still be frugal.
Read and Compare Labels
One of the best ways to shop on a budget and still pick heart-healthy foods is to compare the labels on certain products. Most of the time, the cheaper, inexpensive product will have the same ingredients on the label as the higher-priced name brand item. The only real difference could be in the quantity of the product, such ounce-to-ounce comparison.
Don't Get Drawn In
Have you ever stopped to think about how your local grocery store is laid out? Probably not. Most grocery stores hit you at the entrance with a lot of unhealthy foods. If you can make it past those, you begin your shopping journey with one side of the store and make your way around and in between the aisles, picking out products from your shopping list. However, choosing heart-healthy foods should keep you on the outskirts. What I mean is, most of your unhealthy choices are concentrated in the middle of the store, while fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy and meats are lined out around the perimeter. Your best bet would be to avoid the middle sections as much as possible. That's where most of your highly processed foods are.
'Tis the Season, or Not
Not everything on your heart-healthy shopping list will be in season. Fear not, because you have plenty to choose from in the form of fresh fruits and vegetables, even when some of the ones you like are out of season. And if you can't find -- or still want -- the fresh fruits and vegetables you're looking for in the produce section, then venture to the frozen aisle. Chances are you'll find it, and it's still staying in your heart-healthy eating range.
If you're having trouble figuring out which foods are heart-healthy, visit with your local chiropractor to see what tips they have to offer in the way of nutrition. And if you're feeling aches and pain in your back, joints and neck, they can help in that area as well.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Denton, Tex.