Shop for healthy foods while on a budget

Amy Culver is a certified personal trainer who has lost more than 165 pounds. She writes about how to shop for healthy foods while on a budget.

The journey to a healthy lifestyle is not something that happens all at once. It takes small steps incorporated over time.

When I started, I focused on calories, fat and fiber. Later, with heavier workouts, I started tracking protein as well. In the beginning I made sure that every meal or snack had some protein in it and wasn't heavy on the sugar. Later, I learned ways to track and balance my diet to consist of a desirable percentage of fats, proteins and carbohydrates.

How can you do the same for your diet? Everyone has seen the standard nutritional label on foods. Although you might not review them as consistently as you should, it is a great way to get a quick overview of nutritional content and compare one food to another.

Unfortunately, unless you want to grow your own vegetables, bake your own bread and raise your own meat, it's pretty hard to eliminate all of those unintelligible additives in your diet. And buying "all natural" foods can put a serious dent in your wallet. There are some simple and affordable changes, though, that you can make to help you along your path to better health.

Store-brand organic foods are a great healthful bargain. Keep in mind that the term "organic" is not regulated yet, so its meaning can vary. But you are likely to find a very comprehendible list of ingredients on the package.

Their prices are typically comparable to the leading brands. And, they taste good, too.

Don't be afraid to check out the "healthier foods" markets. You might expect that stores like Sprouts or Whole Foods would be more expensive but their prices are often competitive with the supermarkets. Watch their sale ads and stock up. They also take manufacturers' coupons.

Buy the freshest food that you can and try to stay away from processed items. Fresh or frozen is preferable to jars and cans. Look for products advertising "no added sugars" or "packed in its own juice." You can also buy meat on sale, cook up some extra and freeze for sandwiches.

Remember to make small changes, incorporating what you can. You'll feel much better about what you are eating as well as what you are feeding your family.

Information: www.QueenOfLean.com or 480-813-0963.