Lucia's Story: A Lesson in Smart Shopping

Lucia's mother has type 2 diabetes. She wants to avoid getting it. So she’s trying to eat healthy. When Lucia goes to a health food store, she finds the prices too high for her budget. She asks her mother how she buys healthy food she can afford. Her mom tells Lucia that she takes some steps even before she goes shopping:

1. Gather coupons for healthy items: Coupons can help you save money on healthy foods. Gather coupons for healthy items. Look for them online, in the mail, and in your local newspaper.

2. Look for sales at local grocery stores: Checking for sales can help you score great deals. Find out about sales at local grocery stores. Check your local newspaper, or look online. Farm stands may be a good option too.

3. If a store you like offers a discount card, get one.

4. Plan your meals and snacks for the week: Planning ahead helps you make smart choices. Think about sales, coupons for healthy items, and recipes you want to try. Also consider any special events that week.

5. Check your kitchen: You don't want to buy what you already have, right?

6. Make a shopping list: Lists keep you focused on what you need.

7. Have a healthy snack: Never shop when you're super hungry. A small snack can help you make better choices.

Lucia decides to help her mom get ready for her shopping trip, and she's amazed by how much healthy food she gets for her money. She decides to follow her mom's lead and also looks for healthy recipes online. She even takes a healthy cooking class and prepares some healthy meals for her mom!

Follow Lucia’s mom’s tips too to be a smart shopper and bring home healthy foods without spending a lot of time or money. In our next lesson, we'll discover how to cook these foods in a way that's both healthy and delicious. Stay tuned!