Eating Well As You Get Older
Frequently Asked Questions
26. How can I eat well if I'm on a limited budget?
Eating well doesn't have to mean spending more money or buying costly "health foods." You can eat well on a budget by planning ahead and choosing foods that give you more nutrition for your money. In fact, you might find that you spend less, not more, to eat right.
To get the most for your money, choose nutritious foods such as fruits and vegetables, fat-free or low-fat dairy products, whole grains, seafood, and lean meats. Avoid convenience foods, sweets, and snack foods that give you fewer nutrients for your money.
You can save money by choosing store brands instead of name brands, buying foods on sale, and using coupons or supermarket discount cards. Also, only buy what you can use before the food goes bad or before the "use-by" date on the package.
If you like to eat out, look for restaurants that offer senior discounts, early-bird dinner specials, or two-for-one or discount specials. You can also save money by going out for lunch instead of dinner.
