Fruits and vegetables....they are affordable!

It's a ritual for me to eat my fair share of fruits and vegetable but that's pretty easy considering I am a vegetarian. Apparently, it's more difficult for my carnivore friends to put down the sausage link and pick up the banana. They are constantly using the excuse, "I am too broke to eat healthy." To which I clearly respond, "you're lame." You can eat real food on a slim budget and it's not that hard.

I found the cheapest and healthiest way to eat a full daily diet of fruits and vegetables is to either:

1. Buy local. The fruit stand near your home or job probably has fresher tomatoes and oranges than your local grocer. You should also feel good because you're supporting your neighbor. Whatever you do though, don't give your money to WalMart. Clearly, they don't need it. ;o)

2. Buy in bulk. Team up with a friend or two and buy a a Costco, Sam's or BJ membership. Load up on fruit and vegetables every two weeks, cut & store it in separate bags in your freezer and maintain a healthy fruit and vegetable diet for weeks! While you're shopping don't forget to grab some cheese. Cheese isn't a skinny girls friend BUT the French have been eating it for years and somehow they make it work. My favorites are Camembert, Brie or Parmesan but whatever you prefer it's cheaper to buy in bulk and store in the freezer.