The association for the defense of consumers Rural Families has carried out, as every year during this period, statements of price in different types of shops, hypermarkets, supermarkets, discounters and organic specialists. A total of 114 readings of 9 fruits and 10 vegetables were carried out from June 7 to 21 in 39 departments. In detail, the price of the fruit basket has increase 14% conventional and 8% organic, that of the basket of vegetables 17% conventional and 15% organic.
Concretely, to eat 5 fruits and vegetables a day (recommendation of the National Health Nutrition Plan (PNNS), a family of 2 adults and 2 children “must have spent between 134 and 241 euros » monthly.
“(Because they are too expensive), consumers are turning away from foods that are the healthiest for our health”
This increase could discourage the daily consumption of these foodalerted the director of the consumption department of Rural Families, Nadia Ziane: “One in two people give up food because it costs too much. So our big concern at Rural Families is that consumers are turning away from foods that are the healthiest for our health and that we need to be well.“. Indeed, reducing the consumption of fruit and vegetables would represent a blow for our immune system and for our health in general.
Why is it important to eat fruits and vegetables?
Fruits and vegetables are a source of nutrients essential for the proper functioning of the body. They provide energy and help to fight against many diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or excess “bad” cholesterol. In France, the National Health Nutrition Program (PNNS) recommends eating at least 5 servings of fruit and vegetables a day.
How to follow a balanced diet despite rising prices?
Fortunately, there are a few tricks which can allow you to continue to consume fruits and vegetables, without this (necessarily) representing a blow to your budget. Here are some tips:
– Priority to seasonal fruits and vegetables
So that each of your meals contains at least one portion of vegetables and one portion of fruit, ie 300 to 400 grams of fresh vegetables and 2 or 3 fruits, you can choose to purchase seasonal vegetables. These, according to Familles Rurales, are more affordable: the budget per month of a family of 4 who buys seasonal vegetables and fruits is between 65 euros (conventional) and 100 euros (organic).
It turns out that the cheapest summer fruits and vegetables are bananas, watermelon, cucumber, lettuce, zucchini and carrot.
– Buy your fruits and vegetables at the market
Contrary to popular belief, fruits and vegetables are not necessarily more expensive on the walk. On the contrary, you can even make very good deals. The report price quality is also assuredbecause at the market, fruits and vegetables come directly from the producer.
In order not to exceed your budget, it is advised to do your shopping at the very end of the market. Producers often lower prices, since they have to sell as many products as possible before closing. You’ll have a little less choice, but you’ll save more.
– Don’t throw away your peelings!
Everything can be used as an ingredient to prepare balanced and tasty dishes, such as: quiches, soups and broths. You can even use peelings to make sauces like pesto.
The peelings designate the peels, but also the skins, barks, cores, seeds, pits, ribs, stems, pods, tops, etc. Cooking vegetable stalks and peelings means cooking without waste. However, be aware that you can only recycle the peelings of organic and untreated vegetablesOtherwise, you risk consuming pesticides.
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