» "21 ways to eat healthier (and save money, too) "

"As much as possible, buy in season produce. Buy only as much fresh produce as you will use within four or so days. Choose canned or frozen fruits and vegetables when fresh is too expensive or unavailable. "

» "All hail, kale! "

"If you're looking for an alternative to cabbage, you may want to check out its leafy-green cousin, kale. The versatile cruciferous (""kroo-sif-er-us"") vegetable offers a host of health benefits. "

» 11 tips for trimming the grocery bill

"Create a weekly menu, make a list of ingredients, and stick to the menu and list. Avoid the temptation to throw extras into the cart. "

» 5 reasons to frequent farmers markets

"Freshly picked, ripe fruits and vegetables. You can try new fruits or vegetables. "

» A fiesta without the unhealthy fat

Celebrating Cinco de Mayo doesn't have to sabotage a sensible meal plan. Focus on fruits and vegetables; watch the fat; add flavor.

» A foray through the world of flours

"If your only flour experience involves the all-purpose white variety, it may be time to take a stroll through the baking aisle of your local grocery store and take stock of the many milled options now widely available. "

» A 'gluten' for punishment

Gluten - a protein found in some grains - has gained notoriety for its negative effects on some people's digestive and immune systems. Many people now avoid eating anything that could possibly include gluten.

» A simple way to lower sodium in your diet

"Choose fresh foods over canned, packaged, or processed foods whenever possible. Nearly three-quarters of the sodium in American diets comes from ingredients and seasonings added to processed foods, while table salt is responsible for only about 15%. "

» Asparagus tips

"When selecting fresh asparagus, look for firm, brightly colored stalks with tightly closed tips. Keep fresh asparagus in water in the refrigerator until you use it. "

» Awesome Avocados

"Ah, the avocado: Creamy, smooth, tasty, and good for you. What's not to love? An avocado contains more than 20 vitamins and minerals, including vitamins K and C, potassium, and fiber. "

» Beef - Do you know the grade?

"If you're confused when you shop for beef in a supermarket or order it in a restaurant, understanding the ""grades"" can help you make an informed selection. "

» Chocolate Avocado Pudding

A sweet yet healthy dessert to try today!

» Connecting with community supported agriculture (CSA)

"The trend toward local foods in the United States is booming with thousands of farmers markets, and more than 12,000 farmers reporting some Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) set up to sell their products. "

» Cooking combo style

"Americans don't spend a ton of time cooking - about 30 minutes a day, according to one study. Instead, most people often order in, microwave processed foods, or head out for a bite to eat. "

» Cooking for an eclectic crowd

"If you're hosting this year's holiday feast, you might be challenged to come up with a menu to meet everyone's dietary desires and needs. "

» Cost-saving ideas: Meatless meals that pack a high-protein punch

"There are lots of nutritious reasons to love beans, lentils, peas, and soybeans. "

» Dollars and sense - Food shopping tips that won't break your budget

Special dietetic or diabetic foods are more costly and usually not necessary. Boneless cuts of meat may be a better buy - since you're not paying for the bone. White eggs have the same nutritional value as brown eggs - which are more expensive.

» Eat 'naked' foods

"Looking for a healthful way to eat? Try eating ""naked"" foods -- whole foods that are fresh and organically grown, prepared in ways that allow each food's naturally delicious flavors to shine through. "

» Eating close to home -- Now is the time to feast on fresh local produce

"Whether you shop at your local grocery store or a roadside farmers market, summer is the best time to enjoy fruits and vegetables grown close to home. "

» Eating on less than $10 a day

"The average American family of four spends more than $33 a day on food, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Slashing your food bill and trimming your waistline can go hand-in-hand and may be easier than you think. "

» Edamame Salsa

Try this twist next time you make salsa for a healthy snack.

» Egg replacers

"Silken tofu can be used to reduce or eliminate egg in dessert recipes. In general, 2 tablespoons of silken tofu replace one large egg. "

» Filling your cart nutritiously without emptying your wallet

"If you think it costs too much to eat healthfully, think again. You can eat right on a budget. "

» Food costs

"You may have heard that it costs more to eat well, but is that really true? Not when you look at the ""big picture."" "

» Grocery shopping -- Head for the outer aisles

"Fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and healthy protein choices like fish, chicken, and lean beef are located along the outer aisles of most supermarkets. "

» Healthy seafood 101

"Eating seafood is a delicious way to obtain high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids, while avoiding high levels of cholesterol, fat, and calories. "

» Heart-healthy recipe tricks without sacrificing taste

"What you eat can greatly affect your heart's health. If your meals and snacks are regularly packed with saturated fats and sodium, your ticker might eventually take a time out. You don't have to sacrifice flavor for your heart to feel good. "

» Home-cooked fast good - A survival guide for quick and nutritious meals

1. Plan your meals for the week before you go shopping. Pick up convenient and versatile basics like precut/frozen chicken breasts and precut salads and vegetables in a bag. 2. Think about leftovers when planning menus.

» How to hold a budget-friendly backyard bash

"Summertime is a fun time to host outdoor get-togethers with family and friends. If you want your guests to have a great time, but not break your bank account in the process, try some of these tricks: "

» How to use food labels

"Read the label before you buy. Many people get too much fat and salt (sodium), and not enough fiber. The ""Nutrition Facts"" on food labels can help you shop for healthy foods. We'll help you make sense of the numbers. "

» In the bag

Stone fruits that aren't ready to eat will ripen faster if you put them in a small brown paper bag when you bring them home. Close the bag and let it sit at room temperature.

» Info on organic foods

"Even if you buy food grown organically, it's still important to follow basic food safety rules. That includes carefully washing all fruits and vegetables and thoroughly cooking all meat and poultry. "

» Learning to become a locavore

"Locavore: (lo-ca-vore), noun, one who eats foods grown locally whenever possible. Eating local foods can be a good thing for your health and the community. "

» Making sense of Nutrition Facts Labels

How often do you inspect the Nutrition Facts Label on the packaged foods and beverages that you buy and consume? Do you know what the most important information is?

» Making the case for cacao

"Cacao (pronounced ""kuh-kah-oh"") is getting a lot of attention in the health-food world. Cacao is raw chocolate. Because it has undergone minimal processing, it is the purest form of chocolate available. "

» Making the most out of a trip to the farmers market

Buying locally grown produce can be good for your health and your community's economy.

» Mix and match - A blueprint for appetizing and healthy salads

Laying the foundation with great greens. Pick 2 or 3 items from this group: 1 to 1 1/2 cups lettuce (Choose dark leafy varieties like red leaf and romaine for the most nutritional value. Use iceberg lettuce for volume)

» Okra is more than just OK

"This fuzzy, pod-shaped green vegetable, especially popular in the South, is a great, healthful addition to soups and stews, and is tasty in its own right as a stand-alone side when steamed whole or cut up, sauteed, or roasted. "

» Pasta sauce pointers

"In general, darker red pasta sauces have more of the cancer-fighting nutrient lycopene and are lower in fat than lighter red or white sauces, especially those loaded with cheese. "

» Planning tips for a successful holiday food event

"Prior to the event: Invite guests and request an RSVP so you know how much food to make. Ask guests if they have special dietary requirements. The day of the event: Wash, trim, and cut fresh vegetables on a clean cutting board. "

» Quick and nutritious dinners

Got 15 minutes? The No. 1 ingredient for a quick nutritious dinner is planning ahead.

» Recipe switcheroo for a healthy you

Simple substitutions for more nutrition. Unsweetened applesauce for oil or butter; vanilla for sugar; pureed fruit for syrup.

» Savvy and safe: Produce shopping and storing secrets

"Shopping for produce: When shopping at a farmers market, go early. You'll have the best selection. Plus, you don't want to buy produce that has been sitting out all day. "

» Shopping solutions for healthful eating

"Plan a week's worth of nutritious meals, keeping in mind which days you'll have time to cook from scratch. Then check your cupboards and make a list before you go shopping. "

» Sizing up seeds

"Most seeds are smaller than nuts but are just as nutritious - packed with minerals, fiber, and protein. You can eat seeds raw or roasted, and add them to recipes to increase nutrients. "

» Smart shopping

"Pay careful attention to nutrition labels if you need to limit the salt in your diet to help control blood pressure. The recommended daily total intake of sodium is less than 1,500 mg. Some single-serving frozen dinners contain over half that amount."

» Spreading knowledge of other nut butters

"Peanut butter is not the only nut spread option. Other nut butters are becoming popular. Nuts and their butters provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fat. They are also a source of vitamin E, other vitamins and minerals, and fiber. "

» Spruce up your shelves with good foods for the cold days ahead

"Everyone is familiar with spring cleaning, whether you choose to do it or not. But what about fall? Doesn't the cooler season deserve some type of special commemorative ushering in? "

» Start with the right staples to help your heart stay healthy

"Making sure to stock your cabinets, pantry, and fridge with key foods can satisfy your cravings and keep your heart healthy. "

» Stress less to be the Thanksgiving host or hostess with the mostest

"Hosting this year's get-together? Here are things to keep in mind to keep your sanity before, during, and after the celebration. "

» The 3-P approach to eating right on a budget

"You don't have to spend a lot of time and money to eat nutritiously if you're smart about planning, purchasing, and preparing your food. "

» The ins and outs of reading recipes

"You see that mouth-watering picture of the recipe's final product, so you like it on Facebook, pin it on Pinterest, favorite it on Twitter, or rip it out of the magazine. You intend to maybe, eventually, someday, perhaps whip up the recipe yourself. "

» Try these 5 simple secrets to save money and satisfy your appetite

Food doesn't need to cost a lot to be good tasting and good for you. You just need to plan what you buy and how you prepare it.

» Understanding cooking oil options

"Do you cook with canola oil, opt for olive oil, or, like many people, just use whatever you have on hand? Some oils are interchangeable; however, each type has its own place in the culinary world. "

» Understanding edamame

"Edamame (""eh-da-MAH-may""), which means ""branched bean"" in Japanese, is a type of soybean known for its sweet flavor and smooth texture. "

» Use your senses to buy the best

"Sight: Look closely and check for shape and color as well as cuts, bruises, or signs of decay. The natural white powder you see on grapes and blueberries, for example, is a sign of freshness. "

» What makes sweet potatoes so sweet for you?

"Think of the orange root vegetable as your multipurpose produce. The sweet potato can be used to make appetizers, breads, casseroles, main dishes, and desserts. "

» What to look for when buying fresh fish

Tips for buying seafood

» You don't have to know how to pronounce quinoa to enjoy it

"Quinoa (pronounced ""keen-wah"") can be a healthful, gluten-free addition to any meal - breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Quinoa is high in fiber and is a complete protein, which means it has all nine amino acids that your body can't make. "