Updated at: 10/20/2009 5:57 PM

Good Housekeeping: Fruits and Vegetables

As families look for ways to save money, they're cutting back on fruits and vegetables. That's bad news for a society that's already dealing with an obesity epidemic.

"It's a big problem because fruits and vegetables are naturally low in calories, so you can eat your fill and it will fill you up," said Jennifer Cook, of the Good Housekeeping Research Institute.

But the Good Housekeeping Research Institute says produce can lower your risk for heart disease, diabetes, some cancers, high blood pressure and other chronic diseases.

"Over time, eating a healthy diet, which includes fruits and vegetables, is probably going to save you money in terms of your medical costs because you're going to be healthier," said Cook.

But there are plenty of ways to include fruits and vegetables in your daily diet without breaking the bank. One way - buy frozen or canned - they're often less expensive than fresh their fresh counterparts. Just make sure to keep it plain.

"No added sugar, no butter, no creamy sauces, because those are just going to be adding calories and they're not going to be adding to the nutrition," said Cook.

And finally, substituting produce for meat can save you a bundle at the supermarket and it's healthier too.