Cooking healthy doesn’t have to be expensive. Your diet can be both affordable and nutritious. Keep these tips in mind to make eating healthy on a budget easy and enjoyable.
Plan your grocery trip before you leave the house. Reducing food loss is one of the easiest ways to lower your grocery bill. By only buying what you will actually eat and eliminating or substantially reducing food waste, your day-to-day grocery budget will be much more affordable.
While fresh is nearly always best, there are better choices when keeping to a tight budget. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are more affordable than buying produce out of season; however, don’t overlook the canned and frozen food aisles as well. Frozen and canned foods are picked and prepared at the peak of ripeness, protecting you from spoilage and providing the most nutrition possible.
Banking with a service that allows you to check your spending online quickly, set transaction limits, and receive alerts to monitor card usage makes tracking your grocery spending a breeze.
Understand that some foods are not as healthy as you may think. Juices, for example, are typically much less nutritious than the equivalent fruit or vegetable. Not only that, they are priced higher per ounce. Stick with whole foods as much as possible.
Embrace the adventure of cooking on a budget. Have meatless meals several times a week. Beans, legumes, and other substitutes for meat are typically much more affordable than red meat, poultry, or fish. Not only are they less expensive, but they are generally healthier.
Purchasing beans, legumes, and whole grains in bulk is another way to save money, although purchasing smaller quantities is a good option when trying something new. Experimenting with different grains and beans is a great way to find what you like while still being affordable.
Food such as yogurt can be a great treat and even dessert, but it can be pricey when you buy small, single-serving flavored yogurts. Instead, purchase larger containers of low-fat plain yogurt and add flavors to each bowl. There are so many choices that you’re sure to find something you love, whether it’s fresh fruits, granola, a sprinkling of fun, sweet cereal, a drizzle of honey, or a spoonful of peanut butter.
Consider purchasing foods you know you enjoy in bulk, whether stocking up on pantry staples or fresh items that require a little prep work before stowing in the freezer.
Keep an eye on your grocery costs. It’s too easy to think of your grocery bill as the one amount you pay each week without considering the stops you make in between on the way in from work picking up one or two things. If you routinely find yourself stopping at the grocery store for last-minute items, work on meal planning and making a list before your weekly shopping trip. This ensures that you’re less likely to make impulse purchases when you stop in after work hungry and tired.
Once you decide to eat healthier on a budget, review your spending weekly and look for ways to make smarter choices. If you put this information into practice, not only will your diet be healthier but your finances will be too.