PITTSBURGH -- The economic crisis is hitting families hard, especially at the dinner table. The consumer price index shows food prices jumped 7.5 percent in the last year alone and many families are trying to eat more cheaply.

But that doesn't mean you also can't eat healthy.

Tight economic times, high stress and busy schedules can make it tough to eat the right things. But before you go for the pre-packaged or fried and fattening food, experts have named four top foods that are not only cheap and tasty, they can also help you fight disease.

Kelly Urse feels her budget bite with every meal she makes. She and her daughters are planning more than ever before.

"We shop the ads. We look for those fliers that comes every week in the neighborhood newspaper, and we're certainly looking for coupons," Urse said.

Experts list the top four foods for staying healthy on a budget. First: tomatoes.

Channel 4 Action News medical editor Marilyn Brooks grows her own tomatoes.

"When they're gone, I can buy year round and they're always inexpensive. You can also buy them canned with extra herbs and spices already in them," Brooks said.

Some researchers believe cooking tomatoes concentrates their disease-fighting abilities. So think spaghetti sauce, tomato paste or even tomato soup.

If families want to cut down on the price of meat, think peas or beans. Those foods are a wonderful source of protein and much cheaper than meat, which is the highest cost item in any grocery store.

Another healthy bet is steel oats. These are an inexpensive whole grain that tastes good and lowers cholesterol and makes a good meal any time of day.

And dry pastas, even macaroni and cheese, can make the most out of leftovers. Add some tomatoes or maybe a little broccoli and some leftover meat and you've got a great meal that took very little time and didn't cost an arm and a leg.

With a little planning, experts say you can find foods that don't cost a fortune, or your health.

This is also a good time to think about portion control. Putting less food on your plate not only costs less, but puts fewer calories into your belly and on your hips. Your portion of meat should be the size of a deck of cards. Fill the rest of your plate with healthy, inexpensive foods such as cooked carrots, peas, green beans, or potatoes.