If you’re like most people, your budget might be a little tight some months. That’s okay! Even if you can’t swing expensive meat or high-end fruits and vegetables, there are still ways to eat healthy on a budget. Here are some clever tips for eating well on less and staying healthy while doing it.
Eating well doesn’t have to cost the earth, but it does need to come from somewhere. That somewhere is your wallet… so it pays to know where you can spend your hard-earned cash on food that is nutritious and won’t break the bank. If you’re looking for ideas on how to eat healthy on a budget without sacrificing your tastes, read on!
Please note, I’m not going to suggest reducing your food intake or using weight loss supplements to save money.
Plan your meals
If you’re low on funds, it can be tempting to eat junk food like takeout or fast food. The key is to plan your meals ahead of time so that you avoid those temptations and stick to healthier options. If you plan your meals in advance and shop accordingly, you can make healthy eating affordable. For example, if you know that most of the ingredients for a meal will be found at the grocery store, then cook up some chicken breasts with vegetables and use them as a base for other dishes throughout the week.
Then when Friday night rolls around, make an easy dinner like pasta with pesto sauce . Planning your meals in advance makes life easier because it removes uncertainty from your plate. You no longer have to worry about what’s for dinner or whether or not there will be something left over for tomorrow’s lunch. Planning also helps you avoid impulse buys that land your family in trouble with their budget.
Cook at home to save money
Cooking at home is one of the easiest ways to save money on food. Not only do you avoid purchasing processed food, but you have a better chance of getting your money’s worth when cooking at home by spending less time in the kitchen. You also won’t be paying for packaging, which can make up a significant part of the cost of packaged foods.
It may seem like more work than shopping for pre-packaged meals, but it’s actually much quicker and easier to eat healthy at home. Having a meal plan will help you stay on track with preparing nutritious meals that are ready in 30 minutes or less. If you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen every day, plan ahead and organize your meals so that they can be made in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer until it’s time for dinner.
Cook large portions and use your leftovers
Cooking large portions of food, and then using the leftovers for a second night’s dinner, saves money in two ways. First, you don’t have to cook as much, which is good for your budget. Second, you don’t have to eat out as often since you have all these meals waiting in the wings! Another clever way to save money on food is to use your slow cooker.
Slow cookers are great because they allow you to make one big meal and then use it over the next few days for lunch or dinner. This saves time and money! If you find yourself with a little extra cash lying around, spend it on healthy snacks instead of sweets or unhealthy fast food.
Ideally, buy items that will come in handy throughout the week so that you can still stick with your healthy eating plan without missing out when hunger strikes. Buy things like nuts and dried fruit rather than candy bars or chips. You could also buy cereal at a bulk price and store it in an airtight container so that it doesn’t go stale while waiting for breakfast time!
Don’t shop when you’re hungry
Doing your grocery shopping when you’re hungry can lead to impulse purchases. Just because you have a healthy mindset doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself of the things that make you happy!
Buy whole foods and raw vegetables
Eating healthy doesn’t have to be expensive. Buying whole foods, like vegetables and fruits, will help you avoid the cost of processed food that many people turn to in an effort to save time or money. You can also cut down on food costs by buying in bulk at a wholesale club and finding creative ways to use up leftover ingredients from your weekly meal plan.