If you started a diet the first week in January and were tempted to overeat the second week, you may agree the third week in January, Healthy Weight Week, is the perfect time for a sustainable approach to achieving a healthy weight.

Occurring on the third week in January since 1982, Healthy Weight Week celebrates the non-diet approach to healthy living. During this week we are encouraged to improve our health habits in lasting ways by eating well, fitting physical activity into our day and feeling good about ourselves and others.

Eating well with a meal and snack plan that allows for your favorite foods and fits your budget is doable. Eating well doesn’t have to be expensive; wise choices can extend your food dollar. As we mark Healthy Weight Week, I invite you to save your way to a slimmer you with some of our weight-friendly Hy-Vee private label picks:

1. Hy-Vee eggs are an economical, protein-packed addition to any meal or snack.

2. Hy-Vee string cheese is a portable, portion-controlled mid-afternoon choice to hold you over until dinner.  Pair it with a piece of fruit.

3.  Hy-Vee hummus can be enjoyed with raw veggies as dippers or spread on a sandwich or use as a pizza sauce for a Mediterranean pizza.

4. Hy-Vee Thick & Chunky Salsa is a low-calorie condiment for omelets, turkey burgers and more.

5.  Hy-Vee frozen fruits are just as nutritious as fresh; never run out of fruit when you keep frozen fruits in your freezer.

6. Hy-Vee 100 Calorie Greek yogurt is a lower-carb version of fruity-flavored Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt is higher in protein than conventional yogurt.

7. Hy-Vee salad blends offer you a time-saving shortcut to eating daily salads; simply add lean protein, extra vegetables and fruits, and your favorite salad dressing.

8. Hy-Vee whole wheat pasta is made from whole grain wheat, offering you a good source of fiber to help you stay full longer.

9. Hy-Vee black or green tea bags make a calorie-free beverage that will warm you up on a cold winter day.

10. (New) Hy-Vee All-Natural Peanut Butter is brand-new to store shelves, offering you a natural peanut butter that’s a budget-friendly source of satisfying protein and healthy fats.

Buying private label foods at the supermarket can save you money and help you stick to a plan for eating well.

Peanut Noodles with Shredded Chicken and Vegetables

Serves 6 (1 1/2 cups each)

Active time: 30 minutes. Total time: 30 minutes

All you need

•1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

•1/2 cup smooth Hy-Vee natural peanut butter

•2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce

•2 teaspoons minced garlic

•11/2 teaspoons chile-garlic sauce, or to taste

•1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger

•8 oz Hy-Vee whole-wheat spaghetti

•1 (12 oz) bag fresh vegetable medley, such as carrots, broccoli, snow peas

All you do

1. Put a large pot of water on to boil for cooking pasta.

2. Place chicken in a skillet with water to cover; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer gently until cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes. Shred into bite-size strips.

3. Whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, garlic, chile-garlic sauce and ginger in a large bowl.

4. Cook pasta in the boiling water until not quite tender, about 1 minute less than specified in the package directions. Add vegetables and cook until the pasta and vegetables are just tender, 1 minute more. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid. Rinse the pasta and vegetables with cool water to refresh. Stir the reserved cooking liquid into the peanut sauce; add the pasta, vegetables and chicken; toss well to coat. Serve warm or chilled.

Nutrition facts per serving: 371 calories, 13g fat, 2g saturated fat, 42mg cholesterol, 369mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate, 8g fiber, 27g protein.

Nutrition bonus: 76% vitamin A, 47% vitamin C, 16% iron.

Source: adapted from Eating Well, Inc.