March is National Nutrition Month. You made resolutions to eat healthier. Your budget is an ongoing concern. And then there are the time demands along with the potential of some “picky eaters”! That’s the way many of us view the world of meal planning and shopping. But take heart, it is possible to reach both goals….healthy eating and saving money (along with time). Okay, you’ve heard this before but we are into the beginning of a new year with on the fast lane for Spring. It’s time to review:

• Define your goals for “healthy eating” and choose 1 or 2! Staying within reasonable calories, aiming for emphasis on healthy carbs and healthy fats, aiming for the recommended servings of fruits and veggies (check out mypyramid.gov for the goals that fit your family’s needs), including more whole grains (the goal is at least half of the grains should be whole), keeping sodium levels recommended level for your health. This is a starter list and one that needs to be personalized. Check with a registered dietitian (RD) for assistance. (And yes we have RDs…contact nutrition@gianteagle.com).
• Renew your planning efforts. This means reading the Giant Eagle^® circular, making a shopping list, going shopping with an eye on store specials, Giant Eagle Advantage Card^® extras, and coupons.
• Place emphasis on shopping for foods in food groups. Based on your home inventory and what you need for meals and snacks, organize your shopping by servings of fruits and veggies, meats or protein alternates, dairy or diary substitutes, grains (cereal, bread, pasta, rice, noodles). You know you need fruit, check what is on sale in produce as well as canned foods. You wanted fish, check what is on sale remembering the freezer case and canned items.
• Think crock pot and volume meals to save on time and money. This is still comfort season and soups, bean dishes, casseroles, pot roasts fit the needs. It’s a good time to include recipes that make enough for more than one meal for your family. And remember to freeze any extra servings for that other meal!
• Remember that some vegetables and fruits are “in season” making them good buys in fresh produce. Cabbage, winter squash, carrots continue to lead but we strawberries, grapefruit, tangerines, and oranges are great vitamin C and fiber choices! AND….think spring!

Have a question for Judy about this article or need some other meal and snack solutions to meet your budget? Send her an e-mail at nutrition@GiantEagle.com.

March 2010