One of the common misconceptions of “being healthy” is that it’s too expensive. Let’s bust that myth… Shall we?!?!
There are plenty of ways to eat well and actually save money in the process. Check out the following tips… Which speaks to you – Which will you try?
1️⃣ Don’t shop hungry!
People who shop while hungry are more inclined to buy more calorically dense food. Keep a piece of fruit or a small Ziploc® bag full of raw nuts in your bag to guard against filling your cart with foods you’re craving now but wouldn’t buy on a full stomach.
2️⃣ Buy flash-frozen fruits, vegetables, and fish.
While any processing takes away from a food’s maximum nutritional value, flash freezing is a great way to preserve vitamins and minerals when vegetables and seafood are at their freshest. And the convenience of a bag of veggies or a filet of fish in the freezer can’t be beat.
3️⃣ Shop at your local farmers market.
Did you know… It’s actually cheaper to get your veggies—organic or not—at the local farmers’ market than at the local supermarket?
4️⃣ Stick to your list.
Don’t cave in to the snazzy packaging on the supermarket shelves. Make your meal plan and shopping list at home, and then stick to it. Here’s the exception: when you shop at the farmers’ market or local produce stand, sometimes a gorgeously fresh fruit or vegetable will stand out—one you hadn’t planned on. Build some flexibility into your list to account for these unanticipated treasures…just decide which meals you want to add them to before purchasing. A good rule of thumb is to stick absolutely to your list of pantry items, but give yourself some leeway with fresh, seasonal foods.
5️⃣ Eat lots of beans and always soak your own.
Beans are a great source of protein and fiber, and form the cornerstone of many world cuisines. And they’re dead cheap—if you buy them dried. Soaking your own beans is easy, though it does take more planning than opening a can of them. But it’s no big deal. Just decide the night before what you’re going to eat the next day. If a meal includes beans, then put them in a pot of water to soak and leave them overnight. In the morning, let them cook as you’re getting ready for the day.
6️⃣ Buy in bulk.
Costco® and other warehouse stores sell fruits and vegetables at ridiculously low prices.
7️⃣ Join a CSA.
Community Supported Agriculture is another way to save money by cutting out the middleman. With a CSA, you pay a flat fee up front. Every week you get a box of whatever came out of the farmer’s field.
8️⃣ Cut your consumption.
Over the last few decades, restaurant portions have become gargantuan, and we somehow seem to think that a platter of food is actually a single serving. Most restaurant entrées can easily feed two or three. So when you’re out, either share a single entrée, or get half boxed for another meal. And at home, serve smaller portions on smaller plates. It won’t take long at all before you’re satisfied with sensible portions!
(Credit to Kim Kash for inspiration on the tips for eating healthy on a budget)
