Budget-Friendly Nutrition Tips for Kids and Parents

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This is a great article on nutrition by Justin Bennett – Greg

Nutrition is a key contributor to good mental and physical wellbeing for people of all ages. Make sure you and your kids are getting the nutrients you need. Every parent wants to raise a healthy family, but many are concerned about the cost of healthier diet options. The idea that healthy food is expensive couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, simple meals made with vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains are almost always cheaper than processed foods and takeout.

Whether you’re trying to feed your kids healthier meals, promote brain development and growth in an autistic child, or you need more energy to keep up with your little ones, the key to keeping your healthy lifestyle goals attainable is to focus on the process and not make drastic changes. Here are some budget-friendly tips courtesy of Gregory Brian Wood to boost your family’s nutrition!

Select Your Supplements Wisely

Taking supplements is a great way to boost the nutritional impact of your healthy diet. Some vitamins and minerals—like vitamin D, vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and zinc—can be difficult to get from diet alone. Supporting your diet with certain vitamins can boost your immune system, enhance your cognitive health, and improve your daytime energy levels. 

But before you go out and buy a bunch of vitamins, do your research. Not all vitamins are made equal. Because the supplement industry is not regulated by the FDA, some brands can get away with listing ingredients on the label that don’t even show up in the product. 

Buy More Fresh Produce

The best way to eat healthy on a budget is to focus your shopping trips in the produce section. Stock up on a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables that you can turn into all kinds of healthy meals. To save even more, try to plan your meals around produce that’s in season. Fresh fruits and veggies make great snacks as well! Keep your fridge packed with veggie sticks and chopped fruit so your kids have access to low-calorie, nutrient-packed snacks all day long. 

Reduce Stress

When people feel tension in their lives, sometimes they overeat as a coping mechanism. By limiting your stress, you and your children can improve your diet. One of the easiest ways to alleviate stress is to begin a fitness routine, which is something you can do as a family or individually. Other tips include taking deep breaths, getting solid sleep, and identifying stress triggers so you can take immediate action when they occur. 

Buy Frozen Fruits and Veggies

Looking to save some time in the kitchen? Buy frozen produce! Eating Well explains that frozen fruits and vegetables are just as healthy as their fresh counterparts, and in some cases, they may contain even more vitamins and minerals. When it comes to certain vegetables, such as cauliflower, buying frozen is often the more cost-effective option. Plus, you just can’t beat the convenience of throwing a handful of frozen, chopped fruit into a smoothie on a busy morning. 

Stock Up on Whole Grains

Another key ingredient in any well-balanced diet is whole grains. Compared to refined grains, whole grains are loaded with fiber that slows digestion and helps prevent those sharp blood sugar spikes that leave you feeling tired and sluggish mid-afternoon. If you buy in bulk, whole grain pantry staples can be surprisingly affordable. Some healthy alternatives to white bread, pasta, and rice include quinoa, bulgur, rolled oats, and whole-grain bread. 

Choose Lean Proteins

Last but certainly not least, protein makes up the final pillar of a healthy diet. Protein plays numerous important roles throughout the body, including acting as a building block for our muscles and bones. Make sure your family gets enough protein without blowing your budget. 

Rich meats like steak and burgers are delicious, but they’re packed with saturated fats and can be very expensive. Instead, choose leaner proteins like chicken, fish, dairy, and beans that come with a much lower price tag. Canned tuna, for example, is an excellent source of lean protein and costs much less per pound than many other types of meat.

Prioritizing nutrition is one of the best ways to keep your family healthy all year round, but it’s only one part of the equation. Regular exercise is equally important to the health of you and your kids. 

Justin Bennett