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During these tough economic conditions, many of us are looking for the quick fix for our money problems. We often short cut our nutrition by buying cheaper, non-healthy food items. Now, more than ever, it is important to keep your body healthy to avoid costly medical bills or missed work.

MyPyramid.gov is an excellent resource when looking to improve your diet. The website is maintained by The Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, an organization of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which was established in 1994 to improve the nutrition and well-being of Americans.

Here are a few of their healthy eating tips -

• Buy vegetables that are easy to prepare. Pick up pre-washed bags of salad greens and add baby carrots or grape tomatoes for a salad in minutes. Buy packages of veggies such as baby carrots or celery sticks for quick snacks.
• Use a microwave to quickly “zap” vegetables. White or sweet potatoes can be baked quickly this way.
• Keep a bowl of whole fruit on the table, counter, or in the refrigerator.
• Popcorn, a whole grain, can be a healthy snack with little or no added salt and butter
• Freeze leftover cooked brown rice, bulgur, or barley. Heat and serve it later as a quick side dish
• Consider convenience when shopping. Buy pre-cut packages of fruit (such as melon or pineapple chunks) for a healthy snack in seconds. Choose packaged fruits that do not have added sugars.
• Dried fruits also make a great snack. They are easy to carry and store well. Because they are dried, ¼ cup is equivalent to ½ cup of other fruits.
• Buy fruits that are dried, frozen, and canned (in water or juice) as well as fresh, so that you always have a supply on hand.
• Set a good example for children by eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains with meals or as snacks.