Eating well, even when your budget is on a diet

By Stephen Smith, Globe Staff

Families short on money during tough economic times might be tempted to skimp on healthy eating. But they don't have to, according to a blog called Healthy Food on a Budget that was unveiled today by the Boston Public Health Commission.

To help consumers navigate shrinking budgets, registered dietitian Kathy Cunningham is providing advice that will trim food costs without sacrificing nutritional value. In her first posting, Cunningham writes about Thanksgiving, a holiday that can easily break the food budget. Start checking grocery store flyers now for good deals, she says.

"This week, I found frozen vegetables on sale for $1 per small box at the three major local supermarket chains," Cunningham writes. "Stock up on the variety of vegetables you traditionally serve with your meal, but also think of vegetables that can be added to pot pies or soups when you’re preparing leftovers."

Another tip: use the end pieces of bread loaves in stuffing.

The blog will be updated each week, and consumers can submit questions and post their own recipes and tips. Additionally, the Boston health agency will record podcasts on healthy eating that will also be available at the web site.