Theother day, Julie from the north of England wrote to me, saying that healthy eating is all very well but was far too expensive for those on low incomes.

I felt compelled to explain that nutritionists, like many others, exist on tight budgets. Nevertheless, I was pleased to receive her views as they highlight a common misconception.

Perhaps those who genuinely believe healthy eating is expensive are not too keen on the idea of cooking or spending time in the kitchen.

Certainly, healthy food can consist of an expensive recipe from a celebrity cookbook. But it needn't be. Tasty, healthy food can be made using the simplest and most basic ingredients.

Convenience food, on the other hand, may be quick and easy to prepare but is neither cheap nor healthy.

Here are some healthy ideas to help keep your shopping costs down. No doubt you can think of many more:

Boost your fruit intake by eating it between meals as a snack with seeds, nuts or pieces of cheese instead of spending your cash on crisps and chocolate.

Make home-made muesli rather than buying sugary breakfast cereals: Soak a handful of oats in filtered water for 15 minutes. Add a chopped apple or any seasonal fruit and some nuts or seeds. Serve with a dash of milk or yoghurt.

Make a fruit salad and store for up to two to three days in the fridge: Buy a can of ready-made fruit salad sweetened with apple or grape juice, add chopped fresh fruit of your choice and a little fresh orange or apple juice. Decorate with ready-to-eat dried fruit, nuts or dessicated coconut.

Increase your vegetable intake by steaming several vegetables at once with your main meal and adding fresh or frozen vegetables to casseroles and stews.

Home-made vegetable soups with added lentils or barley are quick and easy to prepare and can be frozen into several portions.

Save chicken bones and boil for an hour to make a delicious stock or gravy.

For healthier chips, scrub a few potatoes, cut into slices and then sticks, with skins retained. Arrange in one layer in baking pan. Brush with olive oil and soy sauce. Bake for 20-30 mins in a pre-heated oven (220C).

Keep a good stock of low-cost, healthy store-cupboard items such as canned fish (sardines, tuna and mackerel), pulses, and tomatoes and brown rice.

Baked beans on a baked potato sprinkled with grated cheese and eaten with a salad is easy, cheap and tasty.

Boiled or poached eggs and oily fish are useful standbys as they contain vitamin D - a nutrient often lacking in the winter months.

Plan ahead and buy basic ingredients such as rice, meat or fish.

The ancient, enjoyable art form of cooking is easily learned and you'll be less likely to resort to expensive takeaways.

Ask around if someone has an allotment and is willing to sell you some cheap, unsprayed produce.

Finally, cut down on your transport costs by sharing the shopping chores with your family, friends and neighbours.

Martina Watts is a qualified Nutritional Therapist at the Crescent Clinic of Complementary Medicine, Brighton (01273 202221), and the Dolphin House Clinic, Brighton (01273 324790), or visit www.thehealthbank.co.uk