Healthy eating has a reputation for being expensive, mostly because of trendy superfoods and specialty products. The foundations of a healthy diet, such as beans, oats, rice, eggs, frozen vegetables and seasonal fruit, are among the cheapest foods in the store. The key is planning and cooking at home. Plan before you shop Cheap, nutritious … Read more
Fruit and vegetables taste best and are usually cheapest when they are in season. A tomato in August and a tomato in February are almost different foods. Cooking with the seasons is also a simple way to bring variety into your meals. Why it matters What is in season (in much of the US) Seasons … Read more
Most Americans eat less fruit and vegetables than the Dietary Guidelines recommend. Adults generally need about 1.5 to 2 cups of fruit and 2 to 3 cups of vegetables a day, depending on age, sex and activity (Dietary Guidelines for Americans). The easiest way to close the gap is not to change your whole diet, … Read more
Cooking for one has a reputation for being a hassle: recipes serve four, produce goes bad and eating the same dish four days in a row gets old. A few strategies make it easy and even enjoyable. Shop for one Cook once, eat differently Rather than four identical dinners, make a base and transform it: … Read more
Cooking for a family means feeding different ages, tastes and schedules every day. The goal is a routine that is sustainable for the cook, not perfect meals. Plan the week Spending 15 minutes on a weekly plan saves time and money. A simple structure helps: a pasta night, a soup night, a “tacos or wraps” … Read more
Preserving food lets you keep a summer harvest, buy in bulk or simply waste less. Every method works by slowing down or stopping the microorganisms and enzymes that spoil food: by removing heat, water or air, or by adding acid, salt or sugar. Freezing The easiest method for most foods. Freezing at 0°F (-18°C) stops … Read more
