Think eating healthy food is too expensive to try? It doesn't have to be that way! You can enjoy nutritious food without hurting your wallet – and there are more benefits than just saving money. In general, people know which items are healthier to choose; but one of the biggest obstacles to making those choices is convenience. A little preparation and planning can have a positive effect on your budget and your waistline.
The key to smart, budget-friendly eating is to plan ahead. Use a weekly meal plan to create a main meal list and stick to it when you're at the store. Prioritize money for nutrient-rich vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy, lean protein, and whole grains. Prepare meals that contain the same ingredients throughout the week to reduce the amount of food you have to buy. Skip highly processed items and packaged snacks. Instead, prepare some healthy snacks ahead of time to enjoy them throughout the week.
When planning your meals for the week, look for fresh produce, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products on sale that week. You can also compare premium brands with store brands for the lowest prices. Take 20 minutes on the weekend to think about which meals to plan in advance. Taking an extra moment to also look at the catalogs of your favorite stores is another way to find good choices at a discounted price.
Local, seasonal produce is at its peak of flavor and more available, so it is sold at a lower price. There are several farmers markets, so shop there to buy cheaper. If the product you want isn't in season, consider buying frozen fruits and vegetables. They usually have the same nutritional quality, but check the labels for added sugars or salt.
You can cook two or more meals at once and enjoy the leftovers for lunch or dinner later in the week. Meat is often the most expensive ingredient in a recipe, so scheduling a meatless meal several times a week can also cut your bill significantly. Non-animal protein sources can be a fantastic alternative to the typical beef, chicken and pork. Items such as tofu or other soy-based products usually provide fiber in addition to protein, which makes you feel full and less likely to snack unnecessarily.
Whole grains and dried beans are generally inexpensive, so they're an easy way to get more nutrition for your money. Stock up on non-perishable items. You can even pre-prepare dried beans, peas and lentils and then freeze them so you have fiber and protein-rich foods on hand at all times.
We throw away a lot of food every year, so try to waste less. You will also feel that in your wallet. Plan to eat highly perishable foods such as fish, vegetables, berries, and fresh herbs early in the week. Save more sturdy items for later in the week. Enjoy leftovers for lunch or make new meals with your leftovers. Preparing planned extras is an easy way to reduce food waste, optimize food prep time while still providing healthy meals. Learning which foods freeze well is also a great way to reduce waste and have healthy options readily available.
Organic products are often more expensive, but you can also try to buy them on sale. You can also buy many organic products on the market these days that are cheaper in the store.
