I know what you are thinking … I cannot afford it. Right? More than just being a good shopper, you could also be a health conscious shopper and save money while doing so. And here is how:

Realise that eating organic food prepared at home is cheaper than eating outside at a sit down restaurant or a fast food joint and its healthier. Convenience foods are actually more expensive then you think. Let me give you an example: Its cheaper to buy a peach, rather than having a low fat peach yogurt. Even natural health foods stores have deals, so look for them. And when you find them – usually monthly or weekly, stock up on them as they are too good to pass up.

Build your meals around:

1. HEALTHY SALADS – try different types of lettuce – romaine, radicchio, escarole, endives, fennel, dandelion) with other vegetables such as tomato, celery, red onions, peppers, avocados and olives.

2. NEW ANCIENT GRAINS – such as amaranth, buckwheat, quinoa, millet, teff, barley

3. HEALTHY NUTS AND SEEDS – Raw Pumpkin seeds, almonds, hemp nut, walnuts, brazil nuts not only give a great nutty flavor but are full of essential oils for the body and are  high in minerals.

4. HEALTHY VEGETABLES – Broccoli, cauliflower, radishes, sweet potatoes, potatoes, spinach, cauliflower, onions.

5. HEALTHY MEATS AND GRAIN FED EGGS – Free range chicken, wild game, organic eggs, are good healthy protein choices for the main meal.

By: Sushma Shah, Toronto Naturopathic Doctor at the Nature’s Intentions Naturopathic Clinic.