Call us at 1-833-252-2737 (TTY 711)

8AM-8PM Monday-Friday

Call us at 1-833-252-2737 (TTY 711)

8AM-8PM Monday-Friday
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/570e35b01d07c0cbf8f6a375/t/65158e5697c7286a83ff9c98/1695911510295/CLH-28136_CenterLight-Pace_Logo_Horz_Color-Full_CMYK.png
,

Eating Healthy on a Budget

,

CenterLight Dietitian Kaitlyn Hempfling recently spoke on CenterLight’s Facebook page about how to keep nutrition in mind with a limited budget. In this blog post, she lists important takeaways on how you can eat healthy with a limited budget.


When Shopping in the Grocery Store, keep these tips in Mind:

grocery shopping

Plan ahead. Make a list of what you need from the grocery store so you don’t end up spending money on unnecessary items.

Eat before shopping. Don’t go to the grocery store with an empty stomach. Sometimes when we go to the store hungry, we end up buying more than we need such as snacks that aren’t healthy like potato chips and candy, and even eat them while shopping.

Look at the per unit price. Pay attention to the per unit cost on the shelf price tag. This will help you more accurately compare items and brands when buying groceries.

Look up and down the shelves. Bear in mind that stores are usually designed so that the items most visible and displayed at eye level are the most expensive ones.

Buy in bulk. More often than not, buying in bulk is cheaper. However, make sure to check the per unit price as this is not always the case.

Avoid pre-cut or pre-packaged fruits and vegetables. Food that is already cut and packaged tend to be more expensive. So if you’re buying fruits such as watermelon, compare the price of the pre-cut ones with the whole fruit. You would often find that you will get more product for a cheaper price if you buy the whole ones and cut them yourself when you get home. In addition, the uncut and unwashed produce will last longer which helps avoid having to throw away fruits and vegetables because they ended up spoiling earlier.

Check the sale sections. Most grocery stores have sale sections. You may have to look for them as these are not usually displayed prominently. Products in the sale section are a little older but are still good—and are lower in price. This is a great option if you know exactly what you will be cooking within the next day or two.

Fruits and Vegetables

fruits

If you have the storage room, buying large bags of frozen fruits and vegetables or canned produce is usually more economical. If you’re buying canned fruits, look for low sodium, and if you’re buying canned fruits, look for the ones that aren’t in syrup. If you can't find these healthier options, you can still buy them but make sure you drain and rinse them under running water before using in your cooking.

If buying fresh vegetables, avoid the pre-packaged salad mixes. You can enjoy fresh vegetables at a fraction of the price if you buy the whole ones and prepare them yourself. The pre-bagged mixes also has a shorter shelf life.

Buy fruits and vegetables that are in season. When in season, produce is generally less expensive, tastes better, and usually is richer in color meaning it has more antioxidants.

DAIRY

Buying in bulk is usually the cheapest. However, you should only buy what you need.

Products such as cheese can be frozen. If you find cheese on sale or you find it being sold in larger blocks, buy this option and freeze the ones you will not be eating right away. This way, you can save money at the grocery store while also ensuring that you’re not wasting what you don’t need within the week.

Meat and Beans

Dried beans and peas are great sources of protein and fiber. They also have a longer shelf life, so you can keep them in your pantry safely.

When it comes to buying meat, the bulk packages are usually cheaper. You can freeze what you’re not going to use right away using air tight containers and save them for a later date.

Bread and Whole Grains

Buy regular brown rice and oatmeal instead of instant packages, as these are not only cheaper but you can also control what goes into your food. Instant packages usually contain more sodium and added sugar.

Most stores also have a sale section in the bakery where you can buy day old bread at a cheaper price. You can put it in the freezer or refrigerator to extend shelf life, just make sure you’re consistently checking on the expiration date and any signs of it going bad.

Ways to Keep Food Fresh Longer

The right storage can help reduce food waste. If you keep your food properly, you may be able to extend shelf life so you don’t have to buy them as often.

  1. Store onions and potatoes in a cool, dry place. Don’t put them in the refrigerator. Storing potatoes in the refrigerator will cause the starch to turn into sugar. You can even store an apple with the potatoes to keep them from sprouting.

  2. Soak wilted leafy greens in ice water for 15-30 minutes. This will make them crisp again and almost as good as new. This also works for carrots.

  3. Make a fresh berry wash. Mix 1 part vinegar with 3 parts water and wash berries in this mixture. Please also note that berries should be dry when you put them in the refrigerator. If they still have water when you store them, the berries will be soggy.

  4. Don’t keep tomatoes in the refrigerator. Instead, store them outside the refrigerator with the stem side down.

  5. If you buy packaged vegetables, keep them in the package or put them in a plastic bag that you can seal. Do not wash until you’re ready to use them.

  6. Take bananas out of bags or any kind of packaging when you get home. When bananas are in a plastic bag, they will spoil faster. You can also put plastic wrap around the stem part of the banana to help extend its shelf life.

USE INFORMATIONAL SOURCES

If you have a smart phone or a tablet, download the FoodKeeper app. This app gives you helpful tips on how to keep over 400 foods fresher longer. The MyPlate Kitchen is a website where you can find recipes and other resources. This is a helpful website if you’re trying to eat healthier and can aid you in making your grocery list. Unlike other recipe websites, MyPlate Kitchen helps you refine your search based on what equipments you have available and the cost of items. This website can be accessed by clicking here.
 

CenterLight Teamcare is committed to providing accurate health-related information to help individuals live well, stay healthy and make well-informed healthcare decisions. Information in this material is strictly educational. We recommend that users consult with their doctor regarding their care. If you would like to learn more about CenterLight Teamcare, please call: 1-877-212-8877 (TTY 711), 8AM - 8PM, Monday - Friday. Representatives or message service also available on weekends.


H3329_2021_BLOGEatingOnABudget Approved 04142021
Last updated March 25, 2021

About the Writer

Kaitlyn Hempfling, RD, CDN is a Registered Dietitian at CenterLight Healthcare.

Kaitlyn
If you have questions, please call us at 1-877-212-8877, Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. TTY users should call 711. You may also request a callback from one of our representatives by completing the form below:

You may also like:

  • facebook icon
  • instagram icon
  • linkedin icon
  • youtube icon
 
We welcome your inquiries. Please call our Participant Services Department at 1-833-CL-CARES (1-833-252-2737) Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM through 8:00 PM. TTY users should call 711. You may also write to us at 136-65 37th Ave., Flushing, NY 11354.

CenterLight Healthcare has an approved PACE contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NY State (NYS). Enrollment in CenterLight Healthcare PACE depends on renewal of its contract with CMS and NYS. Members may be fully and personally liable for the cost of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services.

H3329_2017_WEB_002 Approved 09252018
Last updated on April 1, 2024
CenterLight Healthcare has an approved PACE contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NY State (NYS). Enrollment in CenterLight Healthcare PACE depends on renewal of its contract with CMS and NYS. Members may be fully and personally liable for the cost of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services.

H3329_2017_WEB_002 Approved MMDDYYYY
Pending DOH and CMS Approval
Last updated on December 27, 2017
CenterLight Healthcare has an approved PACE contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NY State (NYS). Enrollment in CenterLight Healthcare PACE depends on renewal of its contract with CMS and NYS. Members may be fully and personally liable for the cost of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services.

H3329_ElectronicFundsTransfer Approved 01192022
Last updated on December 28, 2021

CenterLight Healthcare has an approved PACE contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NY State (NYS). Enrollment in CenterLight Healthcare PACE depends on renewal of its contract with CMS and NYS. Members may be fully and personally liable for the cost of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services.

H3329_SDR_Training Approved 01192022
Last updated on December 21, 2021

CenterLight Healthcare has an approved PACE contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NY State (NYS). Enrollment in CenterLight Healthcare PACE depends on renewal of its contract with CMS and NYS. Members may be fully and personally liable for the cost of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services.

H3329_2017_WEB_002PressRoom Approved 02062018

Last updated on May 8, 2018
CenterLight Healthcare has an approved PACE contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NY State (NYS). Enrollment in CenterLight Healthcare PACE depends on renewal of its contract with CMS and NYS. Members may be fully and personally liable for the cost of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services.

H3329_2017_WEB_Caregivers Approved MMDDYYYY
Pending DOH and CMS Approval
Last updated on December 7, 2017
CenterLight Healthcare has an approved PACE contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NY State (NYS). Enrollment in CenterLight Healthcare PACE depends on renewal of its contract with CMS and NYS. Members may be fully and personally liable for the cost of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services.

H3329_2018_WEB_LANDING PAGE_003r1_M Approved 01072019
Last updated on January 4, 2019

CenterLight Healthcare has an approved PACE contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NY State (NYS). Enrollment in CenterLight Healthcare PACE depends on renewal of its contract with CMS and NYS. Members may be fully and personally liable for the cost of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services.

H3329_2018_WEB_LANDING PAGE_004r1_M Approved 01072019
Last updated on January 4, 2019

CenterLight Healthcare has an approved PACE contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NY State (NYS). Enrollment in CenterLight Healthcare PACE depends on renewal of its contract with CMS and NYS. Members may be fully and personally liable for the cost of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services.

H3329_2019_JanuaryBLOG Approved 02132019
Last updated January 30, 2018

CenterLight Healthcare has an approved PACE contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NY State (NYS). Enrollment in CenterLight Healthcare PACE depends on renewal of its contract with CMS and NYS. Members may be fully and personally liable for the cost of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services.

H3329_2023HomePage Approved 01102023
Last updated on December 27, 2022


CenterLight Healthcare has an approved PACE contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NY State (NYS). Enrollment in CenterLight Healthcare PACE depends on renewal of its contract with CMS and NYS. Members may be fully and personally liable for the cost of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services.

H3329_2018_WEB_Activities Approved 11262018
Last updated on December 31, 2018

CenterLight Healthcare has an approved PACE contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NY State (NYS). Enrollment in CenterLight Healthcare PACE depends on renewal of its contract with CMS and NYS. Members may be fully and personally liable for the cost of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services.

H3329_2018_WEB_LANDING PAGE_005r1_M Approved 01072019
Last updated on January 4, 2019
CenterLight Healthcare has an approved PACE contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NY State (NYS). Enrollment in CenterLight Healthcare PACE depends on renewal of its contract with CMS and NYS. Members may be fully and personally liable for the cost of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services.

H3329_2018_WEB_LANDING PAGE_006r1_M Approved 01072019
Last updated on January 4, 2019
CenterLight Healthcare has an approved PACE contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NY State (NYS). Enrollment in CenterLight Healthcare PACE depends on renewal of its contract with CMS and NYS. Members may be fully and personally liable for the cost of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services.

H3329_2018_WEB_LANDING PAGE_007r1_M Approved 01072019
Last updated on January 4, 2019
CenterLight Healthcare has an approved PACE contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NY State (NYS). Enrollment in CenterLight Healthcare PACE depends on renewal of its contract with CMS and NYS. Members may be fully and personally liable for the cost of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services.

H3329_2019_WEB_Activities_Approved 03122019
Last updated on March 2, 2020
CenterLight Healthcare has an approved PACE contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NY State (NYS). Enrollment in CenterLight Healthcare PACE depends on renewal of its contract with CMS and NYS. Members may be fully and personally liable for the cost of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services.

H3329_2019_WEB_May Approved 05152019
Last updated on May 13, 2019
CenterLight Healthcare has an approved PACE contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NY State (NYS). Enrollment in CenterLight Healthcare PACE depends on renewal of its contract with CMS and NYS. Members may be fully and personally liable for the cost of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services.

H3329_2019_Caregiver_r001 Approved 03132019
Last updated on February 25, 2019
CenterLight Healthcare has an approved PACE contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NY State (NYS). Enrollment in CenterLight Healthcare PACE depends on renewal of its contract with CMS and NYS. Members may be fully and personally liable for the cost of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services.

H3329_2019_CDPAS Approved 03132019
Last updated on February 25, 2019

CenterLight Healthcare has an approved PACE contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NY State (NYS). Enrollment in CenterLight Healthcare PACE depends on renewal of its contract with CMS and NYS. Members may be fully and personally liable for the cost of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services.

H3329_ProviderHomeV3 Approved 01192022
Last updated on March 29, 2022

CenterLight Healthcare has an approved PACE contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NY State (NYS). Enrollment in CenterLight Healthcare PACE depends on renewal of its contract with CMS and NYS. Members may be fully and personally liable for the cost of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services.

H3329_2019_CDPAS_caregiver Approved 03132019
Last updated on February 25, 2019
CenterLight Healthcare has an approved PACE contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NY State (NYS). Enrollment in CenterLight Healthcare PACE depends on renewal of its contract with CMS and NYS. Members may be fully and personally liable for the cost of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services.

H3329_2019_CDPAS_caregiver_var1 Approved 05032019
Last updated on April 18, 2019
CenterLight Healthcare has an approved PACE contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NY State (NYS). Enrollment in CenterLight Healthcare PACE depends on renewal of its contract with CMS and NYS. Members may be fully and personally liable for the cost of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services.

H3329_July2019_BLOG_home Approved 07232019
Last updated July 5, 2019
Participants are enrolled in CenterLight Teamcare at the time of filming.

CenterLight Healthcare has an approved PACE contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NY State (NYS). Enrollment in CenterLight Healthcare PACE depends on renewal of its contract with CMS and NYS. Members may be fully and personally liable for the cost of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services.

H3329_2019_LifeAtTeamcare_r001 Approved 05152019
Last updated on May 29, 2019
Participants are enrolled in CenterLight Teamcare at the time of filming.

CenterLight Healthcare has an approved PACE contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NY State (NYS). Enrollment in CenterLight Healthcare PACE depends on renewal of its contract with CMS and NYS. Members may be fully and personally liable for the cost of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services.

H3329_LifeAtCenterLight Approved 06022023
Last updated on May 22, 2023

Participants are enrolled in CenterLight Teamcare at the time of filming.

CenterLight Healthcare has an approved PACE contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NY State (NYS). Enrollment in CenterLight Healthcare PACE depends on renewal of its contract with CMS and NYS. Members may be fully and personally liable for the cost of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services.

H3329_Betty_landingpage Approved 07232019
Last updated on July 3, 2019
CenterLight Healthcare has an approved PACE contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NY State (NYS). Enrollment in CenterLight Healthcare PACE depends on renewal of its contract with CMS and NYS. Members may be fully and personally liable for the cost of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services.

H3329_2019_caregiverbettyvid Approved MMDDYYYY
Pending CMS and DOH approval Last updated on August 19, 2019
CenterLight Healthcare has an approved PACE contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NY State (NYS). Enrollment in CenterLight Healthcare PACE depends on renewal of its contract with CMS and NYS. Members may be fully and personally liable for the cost of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services.

H3329_2021_TeamcareHome_JUN Approved 07022021
Last updated on June 11, 2021
CenterLight Healthcare has an approved PACE contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NY State (NYS). Enrollment in CenterLight Healthcare PACE depends on renewal of its contract with CMS and NYS. Members may be fully and personally liable for the cost of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services.

H3329_2020_Provider_February Approved MMDDYYYY
Pending CMS and DOH approval
Last updated on September 28, 2020

CenterLight Healthcare has an approved PACE contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NY State (NYS). Enrollment in CenterLight Healthcare PACE depends on renewal of its contract with CMS and NYS. Members may be fully and personally liable for the cost of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services.

H3329_2020_WEBWhereWeAre Approved 01132020
Last updated on January 3, 2020

CenterLight Healthcare has an approved PACE contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NY State (NYS). Enrollment in CenterLight Healthcare PACE depends on renewal of its contract with CMS and NYS. Members may be fully and personally liable for the cost of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services.

H3329_2020_WEB_covid19updates Approved 04072020
Last updated on March 17, 2020

CenterLight Healthcare has an approved PACE contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NY State (NYS). Enrollment in CenterLight Healthcare PACE depends on renewal of its contract with CMS and NYS. Members may be fully and personally liable for the cost of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services.

H3329_2020_WEB_FBevents Approved 04172020
Last updated on April 14, 2020

CenterLight Healthcare has an approved PACE contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NY State (NYS). Enrollment in CenterLight Healthcare PACE depends on renewal of its contract with CMS and NYS. Members may be fully and personally liable for the cost of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services.

H3329_2021ParticipantCorner Approved 03192021
Last updated on March 4, 2021

CenterLight Healthcare has an approved PACE contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NY State (NYS). Enrollment in CenterLight Healthcare PACE depends on renewal of its contract with CMS and NYS. Members may be fully and personally liable for the cost of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services.

H3329_providernews1 Approved 01262021
Last updated on December 30, 2020

CenterLight Healthcare has an approved PACE contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NY State (NYS). Enrollment in CenterLight Healthcare PACE depends on renewal of its contract with CMS and NYS. Members may be fully and personally liable for the cost of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services.

H3329_2021ParticipantInfo Approved 01192022
Last updated on April 1, 2024

CenterLight Healthcare has an approved PACE contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NY State (NYS). Enrollment in CenterLight Healthcare PACE depends on renewal of its contract with CMS and NYS. Members may be fully and personally liable for the cost of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services.

H3329_OTC Approved 04142021
Last updated on April 2, 2021

CenterLight Healthcare has an approved PACE contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NY State (NYS). Enrollment in CenterLight Healthcare PACE depends on renewal of its contract with CMS and NYS. Members may be fully and personally liable for the cost of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services.

H3329_ProviderNewsMar2022 Approved 04202022
Last updated on March 29, 2022

CenterLight Healthcare has an approved PACE contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NY State (NYS). Enrollment in CenterLight Healthcare PACE depends on renewal of its contract with CMS and NYS. Members may be fully and personally liable for the cost of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services.

H3329_myneedscard_web_v3 Approved 09062022
Last updated on September 14, 2022

CenterLight Healthcare has an approved PACE contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and NY State (NYS). Enrollment in CenterLight Healthcare PACE depends on renewal of its contract with CMS and NYS. Members may be fully and personally liable for the cost of unauthorized or out-of-PACE program agreement services.

H3329_ProviderLookUp Approved 01192022
Last updated on December 28, 2021

Photo credit: Linda Farwell Photography