That is a question that is being bantered about a lot these days. In the wake of high gas prices, rising food costs and salaries that don't keep up with inflation, many health-seeking shoppers take one look at the organic items in their supermarket and decide they can't afford to eat 'healthy' food.

While it's true that many food costs double when they are sold as their organic versions in grocery stores, you really just need to know where to look and then develop a systematic approach to buying the best food for the best price.

Fortunately, we're entering the summer season. That means fresh peaches, tomatoes, corn, peppers, watermelon and many other fresh whole foods can be found in your local farmer's markets. Whether you are a city dweller or live out in the countryside, farmer's markets are everywhere — just look online under localharvest.com. Many of the farmers are growing their produce organically, but haven't been able to cover the expense of being certified organic, so you can simply ask them whether or not they use pesticides on their crops. Next, keep in mind the following information on pesticides in produce from the Environmental Working Group:

Highest in Pesticides Peaches Apples Sweet Bell Peppers Celery Nectarines Strawberries Cherries Pears Grapes (imported) Spinach Lettuce Potatoes

Lowest in Pesticides Onions Avocadoes Sweet Corn (frozen) Pineapples Mangoes Asparagus Sweet Peas (frozen) Kiwi Fruit Bananas Cabbage Broccoli Papayas

If you do purchase 'conventional' produce, you can make a non-toxic spray to make sure your fruits and vegetables are clean, although you will never get rid of the pesticides completely. Below is Sophie Uliano's Veggie Cleaner Spray from Oprah's Earth Day Event:

As for other ideas to keep the prices down, you can skip the pre-cut or packaged foods, which cost much more than the unprepared versions. You can also plan ahead when cooking. If you cook large batches you can freeze some for later or simply add a few new ingredients to change the flavor (i.e. Whole grains like quinoa can be cooked for dinner and then spiced with cinnamon and berries in the morning for breakfast).

If you have a family and can buy in bulk (or split bulk purchases with a neighbor or friend), you can also create savings. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is becoming increasingly popular as well. You buy into a farm's crops for the growing season and pick up your weekly share at a predetermined location. You are helping your local farmer by sharing in the risk of growing the crops, while you gain a weekly supply of a variety of fresh fruits and veggies.

A last tip to eating healthy and within your means, is to look for coupons in the packaging of your organic foods. They are usually on the inside of the package. By combining a few of these techniques, knowing when to shop where, and growing some of your own herbs or vegetables, you will be able to enjoy the best tasting and highest nutrient foods. And you will end up saving not only on finances, but on health expenses in the future.

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