March is National Nutrition Month - and with the active summer months just around the corner, now is the perfect time to adopt some healthy-eating habits that can help

you feel your best when the warm weather arrives. Now, there are plenty of popular “fad” diets out there that claim to improve your health; the truth is, you can enjoy better health, and save money too, by using some common sense at the grocery store and in your own kitchen. Here are four simple tips to help you create your own nutritious, health-focused eating plan that won’t break the bank:

Stick with whole grains. Whole grain breads and pastas are about the same cost as white-flour alternatives, but they’re far more nutritious. Keep an eye on sales circulars and stock up on whole grain pasta when it’s on sale. Oatmeal and brown rice are two more low-cost options that are full of fiber as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Save money with frozen veggies. Fresh fruit and veggies are great, but sometimes, fresh can be costly especially when out of season. The good news: Frozen veggies and fruits are an economical alternative and they’re usually much healthier than canned alternatives that typically contain high amounts of sodium or sugary syrups.

Use a crockpot. Pop a few ingredients in a crockpot before work, and you’ll have a great dinner waiting for you when you get home, minimizing the temptation to order out. Use your crockpot to cook oatmeal while you sleep for a nutritious breakfast that’ll keep you going all day.

Snack smart. Phase out chips and candy in favor of fresh fruit, budget-friendly popcorn (check out these healthy homemade toppings) or homemade trail mix. Keep fruit and veggies pre-cut in the fridge to make snacking easy. Yogurt makes a great calcium-rich dip.

 Eating well doesn’t have to cost a lot and you don’t need a fancy fad diet to get great results. Focus on these four tips and create more of your own to improve your health and your bottom line.