Lower Your Grocery Bill, Improve Health In 2009: Top Tips From Dr. Praeger's Sensible Foods

ELMWOOD PARK, N.J., Jan. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Americans resolving to eat healthier and make smarter lifestyle choices in the year ahead are also likely to look for ways to trim their grocery bills. So how can consumers cut costs while increasing nutritional intake? Dr. Praeger's Sensible Foods, the maker of heart-friendly frozen food products, offers nine simple solutions to encourage Americans to get on the right track and make healthier lifestyle choices during tough economic times.

"It is important for people to make smart eating and lifestyle choices a top priority throughout their lifetime, even when times are tough," said Dr. Peter Praeger, practicing heart surgeon and founder, CEO and president of Dr. Praeger's Sensible Foods. "Just because consumers are looking to curb spending doesn't mean they need to compromise good health. There are plenty of good, low-cost options available today that can satisfy both the appetite and the wallet."

    --  Keep fat, cholesterol and sodium levels in check. To be heart-healthy,
        avoid foods high in trans fat, saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium.

    

    --  Buy what's in season. Purchase fresh fruits and vegetables that are in
        season, while keeping in mind that the more richly colored they are, the
        more nutrients they typically contain.

    

    --  Focus on all-natural foods and fruits and vegetables that contain
        antioxidants. Frozen vegetables are also high in nutrients and keep
        longer than fresh ones.

    

    --  Look for ingredients you can pronounce. If purchasing canned or frozen
        foods, always look for a list of ingredients that are easy to read and,
        certainly, recognizable. Also, be sure to look for foods packed with
        water, as opposed to oil, and avoid those packed using corn syrup.

    

    --  Bulk up. Consider buying produce and lean meats in bulk, since larger
        quantities usually bring down the price.

    

    --  Be prepared. Prepare large quantities of homemade soups and foods that
        freeze well. Instead of salt, use other seasonings for the most health
        benefits.

    

    --  Don't forget the frozen food aisle. The frozen food aisle today offers
        much more than TV dinners. Some frozen foods, such as those offered by
        Dr. Praeger's Sensible Foods, are all-natural, nutritious and reasonably
        priced. For example, an entire family could be fed with veggie burgers
        for less than $5.

    

    --  Plan meals in advance. Plan meals based on weekly specials and sales at
        your favorite grocery store. Coupons can also offer great savings, but
        be sure to clip only those that are for healthy, all-natural foods that
        are low in trans fat, saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium.

    

    --  Step it up. In addition to making sensible eating choices, it is
        important to become more active. Simple changes, such as taking the
        stairs instead of the elevator, can help foster a healthier lifestyle
        and serve as a terrific stress buster. It could help to walk two miles
        per day to get -- and stay -- healthy.

    

For more information about Dr. Praeger's Sensible Foods, visit www.drpraegers.com.

About Dr. Praeger's Sensible Foods

Founded in 1994, Dr. Praeger's Sensible Foods is one of the leading makers of kosher, all-natural frozen foods. The company's health-conscious line of products includes veggie burgers, home-style pancakes, breaded fish items, pizza bagels, kid's Littles, appetizer Bites, and more. The company is headquartered in Elmwood Park, N.J. For more information, visit www.drpraegers.com.

Dr. Praeger's Sensible Foods

CONTACT: Danielle Rumore, +1-212-931-6157, drumore@peppercom.com , or Sarah
Coniski, +1-212-931-6154, sconiski@peppercom.com , both of Peppercom; or
Larry Praeger, Dr. Praeger's Sensible Foods, +1-201-703-1300,
larry@drpraegers.com

Web site: http://www.drpraegers.com/