While most of us know that eating healthy is important, at times it can be a little harder than you think. Whether you have an addiction that makes it super important for you to eat healthy or you’re on a super tight budget that makes it near impossible, a family that eats healthier is certainly healthier and happier in the long run. The truth is that eating healthy on a budget isn’t as expensive as one might think, and it’s important to eat healthy if you want to live to a ripe old age.

The following is a rundown of a few of the top ways you can eat healthier so that you see improvements in your health and mood.

Base your meals on higher fiber starchy carbohydrates

Basing your meals on higher fiber and starchy carbohydrates is one way to eat healthier on a budget. Starchy foods are a great source of energy and work to fill you up faster as well. Fiber in your diet is extremely important for regular bowel movements, as well.

Of course, you hear this one all the time, but eating your fruits and veggies is key to staying on a healthy diet. Fruits and veggies are super high in nutrients and energy, meaning you’ll be happy and raring to go most of the time. A good rule of thumb is to fill half your plate with them. Not only does that give you the required amount, but it keeps you from being tempted by the unhealthy options on the table, as well.

Eat more fish

While it’s important that you not eat too much seafood, fish is packed with protein and very good for you. Oily fish especially is packed with lean protein. It has been known to help with everything from rheumatoid arthritis to helping prevent cardiovascular disease. There are also quite a few options out there for oily fish, so you shouldn’t get bored with your choices.

Don’t get thirsty

This is another tip that you’ve probably heard over and over again. Drinking water is essential to staying healthy. Make sure that you drink the required amount of water for your needs a day, and you will be healthier for it. It’s also a bad idea to drink alcohol if you’re trying to stay healthy, as well.

Alcohol will dehydrate you and create a huge host of health problems you don’t want to deal with. It’s best to stop drinking entirely because if you have any history of addiction in your family, it is possible that you could fall into alcoholism, as well. It’s important to note that there is no type of person that becomes an alcoholic—it can happen to anyone. If you find that you have a problem with alcohol, please seek help.

Cut down on saturated fats and sugars

Of course, most people know that those chocolate chip cookies, chips, and other junk foods are really bad for you, but that doesn’t make them any less tempting. It’s important to cut down on saturated fats and sugars you eat if you want to live a healthy, happy life.

Get active and maintain a healthy weight

Being active and maintaining a healthy weight is key to success in the fitness department. It can also reap you a few other rewards. The state of your fitness and whether you’re overweight can help you when choosing the right health insurance, as well. While you, of course, are going to use sites online to determine the best and least expensive insurance for you, the insurance companies are going to be looking at your health before they offer a policy or even a price. Exercise and a healthy weight are key.

Eat less salt

This is a hard one for many people, as most of us love our salt. However, it is recommended that you only eat six grams a day as an average adult. Too much salt can lead to health problems you don’t want to deal with, so cut back for your own sake.

These are just a few of the easy ways to eat healthier. Remember, the healthier you eat, the better you will feel.