Fruit And Vegetables Are Cheap To Eat.

Have you seen the news reports and tv shows claiming that fruit is too dear to buy ?    So many times over the years the media tells us that low income families can't afford to buy fruit and vegetables and that junk food is a cheaper option.  WHAT ROT  !!!!

Darren and I always shake our heads at the tv.  We firmly tell the tv that we've always been able to afford to eat healthy.  It's probably quite comical to watch us talking to a tv but I get so frustrated.  There is no excuse for poor shopping habits.  There is enough information available to educate us about the health benefits of fruit and vegetables.

For starters,  it's what our body knows.  They are whole foods created to nourish our bodies.  Fruit and vegetables are full of anti oxidants,  vitamins and minerals.  They provide fibre to keep us regular which in turn gets rid of the toxins in our bodies.   I know I'd much rather get my vitamins and minerals from fruit and vegetables than from a multi - vitamin.

Yes,  at times some fruits and vegetables can be expensive.  The trick is to avoid buying them just because you want them.  Here's what I do to reduce my fruit and veg bill -

*  Look at your menu plan and write a list of items needed.

*  Take a detailed shopping list with you when you shop.  Specify what you need and how many.

*  If some items are too expensive,  be prepared to substitute or go without.  Bananas are a great example of this.  Their price can range from 79 cents a kilo up to $5.99 a kilo with no real reason for the price changes.  When they are too dear I buy a few extra apples or find something else.

*  Know your prices.  I won't pay more than $2.99 a kilo for bananas,  apples and grapes.

*  Buy in season.  It sounds obvious but I see so many people buying strawberries in Winter for $5.99 a punnet.  In Summer they can be under $1.  Buying in season means you are buying better quality and the nutrients are at their best.

*  Pick your fruit and veg over.  Do not buy soft fruit unless you are going to eat it that day.

*  Potatoes are always cheaper by the bag.  Check the inside of the bag to make sure they are not green.

*  Fruit and veg shops are almost always cheaper than supermarkets.

*  Check the bargain table at your fruit and veg shop.  Only buy reduced items if you can use them withing a few days.

*  Grow your own.  Even if you only grow lettuce in a pot this could save you $50 - $100 a year.  Lettuce costs on average $1.99 each.  Buy one a week and you are up for $103.48 per year.  A packet of seeds costs about $3 and lasts a few years.

*  When vegetables are cheap,  buy lots,  blanch and freeze for future meals.

This fruit haul cost  $9.88 and lasted one week.  That's $2.47 per person per week or 35 cents per person per day.  You can't quite see every piece of fruit in the photo but there was plenty to eat each day.

I can't think of any store bought snack that only costs 35 cents per serve that is as healthy,  nutritious
and filling.  Can you ?