How to eat healthy on a budget
A lot of people believe healthy eating is expensive but it doesn’t have to be. Of course the latest superfoods and pre-packaged snack options can be costly however if you follow these simple tips, you’ll be creating healthy meals in no time without breaking the bank.
Fill you trolley with pantry staples
Make meals go further by including inexpensive staples like rice, lentils, beans and quinoa. Buying these foods in bulk can also ensure your spending is kept to a minimum. These dishes can be extremely cheap to make and are high in fibre and protein, to keep you feeling full as well.
Stock up on fresh fruit and vegetables
Generally speaking, vegetarian dishes are a cheaper alternative to meat based dishes and they also provide a great range of essential vitamins and minerals. Shopping at farmers markets and your local fruit shop can also be another way to keep costs down. Buying in season produce is also important and coming up with meal ideas using these ingredients is a great way to save money.
Avoid pre-packaged health food options
Most of the time these pre-packaged snacks are marketed as health foods but they are anything but. Make your own healthy snacks at home (see my recipes for some great options) and make sure they are always on hand so you don’t feel tempted to buy something overpriced from the supermarket or vending machine. Making your own museli or trail mix from mixed nuts and seeds is another great way to save money as these options from the supermarket can often get quite expensive.
Plan your meals and meal prep
Before the start of the week plan ahead and choose a few meals you like that are inexpensive to cook. Preparing key ingredients for meals can also mean throwing together something for dinner is quick and easy as well as inexpensive. Doing meal prep or making extra at dinner for the next day is another way to ensure you always have ready made meals and won’t be tempted to get takeaway or a home delivery meal after a long day.
Shop around and check catalogues
Those pesky supermarket catalogues that always make their way into the house can be useful when deciding what to get. While its best to stick to one shop to get your groceries and save time, check out what’s on special for the week and if it’s something you usually buy make use of the discounts available. Using supermarket rewards programs can help lower costs too on items you always buy.
Make a shopping list
Make a list before you go shopping and stick to it. Make sure you’ve eaten before you go shopping too otherwise you’ll be adding everything to your trolley. Only buying the foods you need and you know you will eat will also minimise food waste which is an important factor in saving money as well as being environmentally conscious.
I hope these tips help you on your journey towards health and make shopping on a budget a whole lot easier. Keep an eye out for more helpful articles to help you live a healthier life.