10 easy tips for eating healthy on a budget

10 easy tips for eating healthy on a budget

When it comes to eating healthy, it’s often assumed that it will be expensive and time-consuming. However, there are plenty of ways to eat healthy without breaking the bank. Here are 10 easy tips for eating healthy on a budget:

10 easy tips for eating healthy on a budget

1. Plan your meals in advance.

This will help you avoid impulsive and expensive decisions  when you’re feeling hungry. In order to make meal prepping in advance easier its recommended  that you cook in bulk and freeze individual portions. By doing this you can ensure  that you always have something healthy and affordable to eat.

2. Stick to whole foods.

Choose fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein sources, and healthy fats. Avoid processed and packaged foods as much as possible. Some of the best options for whole foods include:

 

  • Eggs
  • Oats
  • Bananas
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Chickpeas
  • Spinach
  • Fish
  • Beef
  • & Chicken

 

The benefit of eating whole foods is that they tend to be more filling and offer more health benefits as opposed to their pre-packaged or artificial counterparts. They also contain the primary macro and micronutrients you need which help to promote a healthy diet.

3. Cook at Home.

Home-cooked meals are almost always healthier and cheaper than restaurant meals.  Additionally, when cooking at home, you have complete control over the ingredients that go into your food. This allows you to make healthier choices and save money at the same time. Cooking at home also allows you to prepare the exact portion of food you need to consume in a way that allows you to ensure that you get all your required calories, and macronutrients.

4. Use leftovers.

Repurpose leftovers into new meals to avoid food waste and save money.  For example, if you have cooked too much rice, use it in a fried rice dish the next day. Leftover meat can be also be used in tacos or salads while vegetables can be used to make soups or thrown into omelets for breakfast. The key is  to be creative with your leftovers so you don’t get bored of eating the same thing every day.

5. Buying bulk.

Buying in bulk can be a great way to save money on healthy foods. Just make sure you have enough storage space and that you’ll actually eat everything before it goes bad. Some stores that we recommend for buying whole foods in bulk include:

  • Costco
  • Sam’s Club
  • BJ’s Wholesale Club

6. Shop at farmers markets.

Farmers markets typically sell fresh, local, and seasonal produce at a lower cost than grocery stores.  This is because the produce hasn’t been shipped from far away and doesn’t have to be stored for long periods of time. As a result, it is often fresher and tastier than what you would find at a grocery store. Additionally, farmers markets are also a great place to find unique fruits and vegetables that you may not be able to find at a grocery store.

7. Join a CSA.

Community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs allow you to purchase a share of a farmers’ crops upfront. This can save you money on fruits and vegetables while supporting local farmers. 

8. Meal prep.

Meal prepping can help you save time and money by cooking in bulk and portioning out meals ahead of time.  This can be especially helpful if you have a busy lifestyle or find yourself eating out often. If you would like to learn more about meal prep click here to check out my meal prep service where we deliver healthy and delicious meals right to your doorstep!

9. Use coupons.

Be on the lookout for coupons and discounts on healthy foods.  This can be a great way to save money on groceries. However, make sure you only use coupons for items that you would actually buy and eat. Some stores that have frequent coupon discounts on groceries include: 

  • Walmart
  • Kroger
  • No Frills

10. Get creative.

All in all there are plenty of healthy and affordable recipes out there, so get creative in the kitchen! With a little effort, you can easily make healthy eating a part of your budget.