5 Tips To Eating Healthy On A Budget

The hardest part about eating healthy is often the cost. So much fatty, preservative-laden and junk food is so much cheaper than the ‘healthy’ options. How do people take care of both their body and their wallet at the same time? When you need to follow a strict food budget, it is still possible to have a healthy daily dietary plan. Use these tips so that you can plan great meals and snacks without going over your budget.

No Impulse Shopping

One of the best ways to save money while shopping is to avoid any impulse purchases. Store managers place expensive pies, cakes, and cookies near the entranceway of a store, and these items are often also located near the checkout lane. With a list of what you need to buy, you can avoid buying these types of foods that encourage you to overspend. Avoid random browsing as well.

Look at the Store’s Advertisements before Shopping

With a computer, you can look at the advertisements of the stores in your neighborhood to plan a budget grocery-shopping trip. Some stores offer coupons for several dollars off on a minimum purchase, and you can also plan your meals using the foods that are on sale that week. If a store has whole chickens at a bargain price, then buy one or more to have with other budget-priced foods that include baked potatoes or brown rice.

Look Into Meal Plans Available Online

If you don’t understand how to prepare a meal that is affordable and nutritious, but you are willing to spend a bit more money, you could look into healthy meal prep delivery services. A professional dietitian can ship microwavable meals to your home that are suitable for adults, teenagers or children. You can provide your preferences concerning the types of ingredients that you like along with any dietary restrictions that might include low-fat meals or meals that contain no added sodium. Many of these services provide recipes, tips, and ingredients that can get you started on your health journey.

Shop for Seasonal Produce

You know that you should eat at least five servings of fruits or vegetables each day. When you visit the supermarket, look for the seasonal produce that is offered at the best price. These prices can change each week, and in some cases, a store will reduce the price of vegetables and fruits to avoid spoilage. It is possible to save money by looking for produce that is on sale or reduced in price. This is one of the best ways to get healthy food cheap.

Avoid Wasting Food

Avoid wasting food, because it will damage your grocery-shopping budget. Learn how to store foods properly so that the items won’t spoil. If you have any leftovers after a meal, then place the meat or vegetables into a container to have a fast lunch to take to work the next day. Don’t be afraid of leftovers! Sometimes, people convince themselves they ‘have’ to finish a meal because there’s too little to save and too much to throw away. Consider putting a jar in your freezer and fill it with various leftovers like meat, vegetables and broth. This can be cooked up into a hearty stew once it’s full. Small amounts of leftover meals can still be combined to make decent, healthy snacks next time you are hungry. So wrap it up and save it!

Understand Portion Sizes

Most individuals eat large portion sizes that aren’t healthy, so it is important to use measuring cups and spoons along with a food scale to avoid wasting food by overeating. And like mentioned above, don’t be afraid to wrap up small amounts of leftovers. It’s helpful to remember the palm rule: you only need about a palm-sized serving of meat and protein. Build the rest of your meal around that, and experiment with waiting fifteen minutes after eating before going for more.

It is absolutely possible for health and money-conscious people to eat food that is both filling and healthy, even on a budget. Don’t assume you have to penny-pinch or skip meals. Follow these tips to continue eating healthy, regardless of your monetary situation.