Tip Of The Week - Credit Crunchy Veg

August 19, 2008

The credit crunch may be taking its toll, but even if you're feeling

the pinch, don't get out of heart healthy habits - a vegetable-rich

diet doesn't have to be expensive. There are many ways for you and

your family to get your five-a-day without going over-budget - here

are some thrifty tips to get started:

-Buy loose, whole veg instead of ready-chopped, pre-packed versions

that look attractive but are more expensive.

-Go for local, seasonal produce - vegetables that are in season and

haven't travelled a long way won't just be cheaper, they'll be

fresher too.

-Always have some tinned or frozen vegetables in the house - they can

be cheaper and counts towards your five-a-day because the nutrients

are preserved and you'll still get the benefits of antioxidants that

help to keep your arteries healthy.

-Keep your veggies crunchy and don't overcook them - steaming or

microwaving in small amounts of water helps to save those vitamins

and minerals.

-Try not to waste food - if you've got veg at the end of its use-by

date, make it into a soup or sauce and freeze it ready for a

nutritious meal later. Roasted vegetables and over-ripe tomatoes are

good for this.

-If you're feeling green fingered and have a garden, try growing your

own vegetable patch - it's the cheapest option and is good exercise,

which keeps blood pressure at a healthy level and helps the heart

pump more efficiently.

Don't be put off by the credit crunch - looking after our hearts has

never been easier. With a little imagination, everyone can afford to

create exciting and nutritious vegetable-based meals you'll want to

make time after time.

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