Tips and Recipes for Healthy Eating on a Budget

Registered nurse shares affordable ways to build lasting healthy habits

Feb. 4, 2026 at 7:23am

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If your goal is to eat healthier, there are simple, affordable ways to build healthy habits that really stick. A registered nurse with Ascension St. Vincent's shared tips on healthy eating and recipes that are easy, delicious and budget-friendly, including oven-baked "fries", homemade salad dressings, and nutrient-rich smoothies.

Why it matters

Eating healthy can be challenging, especially on a tight budget. This segment provides practical, cost-effective solutions to help people achieve their nutrition goals without breaking the bank.

The details

The registered nurse recommended several affordable, healthy recipes and preparation methods. For "fries", baking potatoes or sweet potatoes in the oven uses less oil than frying. Homemade salad dressings made with basic pantry staples like vinegar, oil, and mustard are healthier and more cost-effective than store-bought options. Smoothies made with frozen fruit and spinach provide more fiber and nutrients than juice blends, at a lower cost.

  • The segment aired on The Morning Show on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

The players

Shane Dawsey

A registered nurse with Ascension St. Vincent's who provided the healthy eating tips and recipes.

Ascension St. Vincent's

A healthcare provider that employs the registered nurse and developed the healthy eating recommendations.

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What they’re saying

“If your goal is to eat healthier, there are simple, affordable ways to build healthy habits that really stick.”

— Shane Dawsey, Registered Nurse

The takeaway

This segment offers budget-friendly, practical solutions to help people improve their nutrition without sacrificing taste or breaking the bank. By focusing on simple, homemade recipes and preparation methods, it demonstrates that healthy eating can be accessible and sustainable, even for those on a tight budget.