CLEVELAND -- These days saving money and eating healthy just don't go hand-in-hand, but there are some things you can do to cut costs and stay healthy, reported NewsChannel5's Alicia Booth.

Often, the cheapest and most convenient food is the least healthy, and with food prices as high as they are right now, it gives people a built-in excuse to put their health on the back burner -- but not if you keep five simple tips in mind at your next visit to the grocery store.

Grocery stores are designed to make everything look so inviting and so convenient, but don't fall for it.

Cleveland Clinic registered dietician Julia Zumpano showed how if you don't grab for the first thing you see, you will save a lot of money.

Tip No. 1 is to spend your money on the seasonal produce like melons and cherries, but pass on things like fresh spinach and oranges and go frozen or canned instead.

That way, you'll find plenty of savings with similar nutrition. Be sure to rinse the canned stuff before you eat it.

Tip No. 2 is you can save a lot of money just by planning and packing your lunch.

Zumpano said fruit, an old-fashioned peanut butter and jelly sandwich and some yogurt will do the trick nicely. Read the labels, though, and pick the most nutritious items that are low if fat and high in protein.

The third thing you can do is look for the deals and clip coupons.

"I would suggest gearing some of your meals and snack and lunch ideas towards what's on sale for that week," said Zumpano.

Supermarkets have a lot of daily and weekly specials.

The No. 4 tip is to go generic.

"If there's an alternative for cereals or even granola bars that are generic, they are completely acceptable," said Zumpano.

Cereals are famous for their wide variety of generics, but they're not usually at eye level. You have to check out the bottom row to find the deals.

When it comes to meat, you can get a better cut of meat, and just buy and eat smaller portions of it.

Better yet, follow tip No. 5, which is to replace the meat with another source of protein: tuna, peanut butter, or perhaps the cheapest source of all, beans.

The bottom line is do your homework before you get to the store, and saving money will actually be good for your health.