Healthy eating in the Panhandle on a budget

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – At a time when many families are struggling to make ends meet, healthy eating can feel out of reach.

But experts with Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast say eating healthy on a budget is possible.

Eating out may be convenient, but nurse Linsey Hall says it comes at a cost.

“Not only do you remove any extra additives you don’t know what restaurants are placing in the food, but it’s so much more expensive,” said Hall.

Hall says prep should start before you step foot in the store.

“Before you go to the store, I recommend making a menu for your household and creating a grocery list from that menu,” said Hall.

She says shopping without a plan or on an empty stomach can derail your budget and your health.

And once you’re in the store, there’s a strategy.

“Try to stick to the outsides of the grocery store, avoiding the isles because the processed foods are all in the isles at the store,” said Hall.

Hall says center aisles can also cost you more than you think.

“A bag of Lays potato chips is about $4.75. You can get an entire bag of Russet potatoes for $3.50. Imagine how many potato chips you could make with an entire bag,” said Hall.

She says meal prepping at home can help stretch food and dollars.

For those looking for affordable options locally, hall says help may be closer than you realize.

“Millie’s Mobile Food Pantry, which is supported by Feeding the Gulf Coast, goes across the entire Panhandle, providing produce at an afforable rate– about 10- to 20- percent under retail stores,” said Hall.

For smaller households, frozen produce also make sense.

But when it comes to canned goods, hall says buyers should be cautious.

“When we’re talking about processed foods, we mention things in boxes and cans. Obviously, they’re going to have preservatives– usually salt as a major preservative. So, when you’re looking at canned goods, you always want to read the label; what is actually in that product,” said Hall.

If you do go that route, she says look for low or no sodium options.

Hall says eating healthy isn’t about perfection but preparation, practice and smart choices that add up.

Hall says healthy eating does take intentionality, but it’s worth it– for your wallet and your well-being.

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