A nutritionist from the East Texas Food Bank provides advice on eating well.

Because healthy food can be expensive and people often don’t have much free time in their days, it can be challenging to maintain a nutritious diet. Be mindful of what you put into your body, advises East Texas Food Bank nutrition education specialist Ami Boyer.

“Nutrition disorders, such as diabetes and hypertension, can result from not providing our bodies with the best building blocks,” Boyer stated.

The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) states that low-income people and families are more likely to buy less expensive but nutritionally deficient foods. According to data from the ODPHP, over 30 million Americans are classified as belonging to a household that experiences food insecurity.

Boyer stated, “Trying to learn how to eat healthy takes little baby steps.”

She offered some advice on how to eat better without going over budget.

“Acquire in quantity. Get a large bag of rice if you enjoy eating it. You only need to buy it once, and it will last you for months. Observing what’s seasonal and on sale is another thing. Prices for strawberries will significantly decrease as it’s almost strawberry season, according to Boyer.

She added that there are some foods you should always have on hand.

Dried beans, canned goods, and any dried grains—that is, dried pastas and rice—are staples that I always advise people to keep on hand.

Eating vegetables that are frozen is also advised. You might also try cultivating some fruits and vegetables at home if you have the space and time. Should you be able to travel, free seeds for an assortment of produce are being given away at the Judy B. McDonald Public Library in Nacogdoches.