These days we’re all watching what we spend, cutting back (or out) where we can. Luckily you can cut back on the costs of staying healthy without going back on your intentions to live well with these tips for healthy living.

Eating healthily, being physically active and getting regular healthcare are all still possible and affordable even on today’s smaller, tighter budgets according to experts.

A spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association, Bethany Thayer, herself a registered dietician, points out that eating healthy can be done on a budget. You just need to plan carefully and shop smart. Here are some superb savings tips:

- Make as much of your own food as you can from scratch – prepackaged foods always cost more.

- Plan your trip to the supermarket armed with a detailed list and a full stomach – never go in hungry or in a hurry.

- Enjoy seasonal foods when you can – but only buy as much as you know you can eat before it spoils.

- Frozen or canned fruits and veggies last longer than the ones in the crisper in your fridge so you can take advantage of sales and larger sizes to stock up… and they taste yummy too.

- Use coupons – this can save you from 10-15% on your grocery bill.

- Think about portions, especially when it comes to meats. Your servings should be the size of a deck of playing cards, so a package of chicken breasts could be prepared at one time but used for two meals.

- Put leftovers away promptly so that there’s no question they’re safe to eat again, and you won’t be tempted to go back for seconds.

- Try less expensive foods for the nutrients you need. Beans are an affordable source of protein and fiber, what’s more there are many varieties and you can use them lots of ways, hot or cold. Popcorn and oatmeal are inexpensive grains, while nonfat dry milk is an affordable source of dairy.

» Read more: Tips For Healthy Living on a Budget