With Mayo Clinic nutritionists Jennifer Nelson, M.S., R.D. and Katherine Zeratsky, R.D.

One of our readers posted a comment that "eating healthy is expensive." Well, I have to agree, my grocery bill is proof. But there are also ways to make it more affordable. And the cost of not eating a healthy diet is considerable — managing chronic disease, hospitalization, medications, loss of quality of life. A healthy diet is a good investment in the long run.

Here are a few tips.

• Plan ahead. Before you go shopping check newspapers and online for sales and coupons.
• Save on gas. Plan your outings to get your errands done in one trip.

Let's take a trip around the grocery store and see where we can save.

• Produce section:  Buy fruits and vegetables in season. Apples, oranges, and like fruits will stay fresh in the refrigerator for more than a week. Compare prices for prepackaged bags vs. by the piece; often the prepackaged bag is less expensive.

  Visit farmers markets and grow your own. If you buy or grow more than you can eat, freeze some or make soups and casseroles to freeze for a later meal.

• Bakery: Compare prices of breads, rolls, and buns in the bakery vs. the bread aisle.
• Meat and deli: Look for sales — meat freezes well. You can save by buying a greater quantity and freezing.
• Dairy: The grocery store is not always the most inexpensive place to purchase milk. Some convenience or department stores have milk at a discount.
• Frozen foods: Stock up on frozen fruit and veggies that are on sale. These are versatile side dishes and can be added to soups, casseroles, and stews.
• Canned goods: These are generally high in salt, so be careful. The good thing about canned or jarred products is the long shelf life. Stock up on sales.
• Finally, cereals: Again, look for sales and stock up on your high fiber favorites.

And let's not forget what other generations did to save money — don't let food go to waste. Be creative with leftovers. If you have unopened food that you will not use, share with a food pantry.

Do you have tips to save money at the market? Please share.

To your health,

Katherine

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