Credit Crunchy Veg

7:00am Saturday 23rd August 2008

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The credit crunch may be taking its toll, but even if you're feeling the pinch, don't get out of heart healthy habits - a vegetable-rich diet doesn't have to be expensive. There are many ways for you and your family to get your five-a-day without going over-budget - here are some thrifty tips to get started:

• Buy loose, whole veg instead of ready-chopped, pre-packed versions that look attractive but are more expensive.

• Go for local, seasonal produce - vegetables that are in season and haven't travelled a long way won't just be cheaper, they'll be fresher too.

• Always have some tinned or frozen vegetables in the house - they can be cheaper and counts towards your five-a-day because the nutrients are preserved and you'll still get the benefits of antioxidants that help to keep your arteries healthy.

• Keep your veggies crunchy and don't overcook them - steaming or microwaving in small amounts of water helps to save those vitamins and minerals.

• Try not to waste food - if you've got veg at the end of its use-by date, make it into a soup or sauce and freeze it ready for a nutritious meal later. Roasted vegetables and over-ripe tomatoes are good for this.

• If you're feeling green fingered and have a garden, try growing your own vegetable patch - it's the cheapest option and is good exercise, which keeps blood pressure at a healthy level and helps the heart pump more efficiently.

Don't be put off by the credit crunch - looking after our hearts has never been easier. With a little imagination, everyone can afford to create exciting and nutritious vegetable-based meals you'll want to make time after time.