Live Well 8: Healthy Meals at Low Prices

Following through on New Year's resolutions to lose weight by eating better can be tough and expensive. In this month's Live Well 8 report, a nutritionist from Wegmans offers some tips.

Trish Kazacos recommends coming up with a plan first. She says write down what you are eating for the week before going to the store.

"I know that can sound intimidating for folks, but it puts you in control for both making sure you're getting high quality nutritious foods at a price you can afford," she said.

Kazacos says there are some key foods that should be on a low-budget, healthy meals list.

For example, opt for canned fruits and vegetables instead of fresh produce; replace white breads with whole grains; And as for protein sources, try beans or try eating less, sometimes expensive, meats.

"Think about having animal proteins like meat, chicken and fish be maybe like a quarter of the size of your plate and filling up the rest of your plate with plant-based foods," Kazacos said.

Wegmans has two promotions that could help dieters. It currently offers meals for $6 each. They come with meat and two sides, and at the number of calories for each is listed at the store.

Ruth Kennedy from Henrietta says the $6 prepared meals have helped her cut down on junk foods.

"I would be eating a lot of sandwiches and stuff I should not be eating," she said, "and here I actually get two meals out of the $6 meal."

Wegmans also offers prepared shopping lists online for its "Back on Track" program. You do not have to do the thinking - only the spending to be healthy in 2010.

"It's getting us back into the routine of planning and trying to do it healthfully and affordably," Kazacos said.