10 Tips For Eating Healthy on a Budget

A nutritious diet certainly can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be! I've definitely been guilty of dropping a little too much money at Whole Foods, (The best place ever!) in the past, and the last year I've made it a priority to stick to a budget, while still eating as many high quality, whole foods as possible. Here are some tips on how to eat healthy, without breaking the bank!

MAKE A PLAN.

Know what you plan to cook during the week and how much you’ll need. Things

may come up, but consider nights when you know you’ll be home late, you have

alternative dinner plans, or you’ll be traveling. Otherwise, unused produce can

end up spoiling and getting thrown out – which is not only a waste of money, but

a waste of food.

MAKE A LIST.

After you’ve made your plan, make a list! Know what you’re going to purchase

before you get to the store. Grocery stores are designed to entice customers

to purchase more. Appealing displays make it more likely for shoppers to notice

and put a product in their carts. These foods can add significant costs to your

grocery bill. Plus, you’re much more likely to pick them up if you don’t have a

specific list to work from.

STICK TO THE STORE’S PERIMETER.

Packaged foods, which are typically found in the inner aisles of the grocery store,

can be expensive. Premade sauces, cereals, packaged snacks, and other processed

foods – especially from brand names – can quickly drive up your grocery bill. To

avoid this, stick to the perimeters, which typically include the produce area, the

deli counter, and the dairy section – good for both your wallet and your health!

BUY WHOLE FOODS..

Value-added products, like pre-chopped onions or fruit, may be convenient, but

their prices are marked up. To cut costs, opt for whole fruits and veggies and

chop them at home. One of my best investments is a spiral-er that I use to make zoodles.

LOOK FOR COUPONS.

Many companies offer coupons for their products online that can be printed and

used at your grocery store. If there are certain products you know you purchase

frequently, consider searching for coupons to save money

SHOP FOR LOCAL, SEASONAL PRODUCE.

In-season produce is typically featured right in the center of the produce section.

In-season food is often abundant, which means it will cost less. Typically, it also has

to travel less distance, which makes it not only cost-effective, but more energy

efficient, too!

BUY IN BULK.

Dry goods in the bulk food section tend to cost less than the same amount of the

same food in a package. Rather than paying for the package, opt to buy foods

like rice, quinoa, nuts, seeds, and spices from the bulk foods section. Consider

bringing your own containers for an even more sustainable option!

PICK PLANT-BASED PROTEINS..

Beans and legumes are nutritional powerhouses high in minerals and fiber

and also inexpensive. They’re a filling addition to any meal, and dried beans

practically last forever!

CHECK OUT THE FROZEN FOODS SECTION.

For less expensive fruit and vegetable options (especially organic), don’t rule out

the frozen foods section! Fruits and vegetables are typically flash-frozen right

after harvest, which means they still pack a nutritional punch. Frozen fruits and

vegetables also keep much longer than fresh produce, so it’s a great option if

your produce often goes bad before you have a chance to use it.

COMPARE UNIT PRICES.

Typically, stores will include two prices beneath a product – the retail price (the

price you pay) and the unit price (the price per a particular unit size). This makes it

easier to see what the better deal is between different sizes or different brands.

Let’s compare two brands of dried fruit as an example. Brand A costs $3.50 for

14 ounces ($0.25 per ounce) and Brand B costs $4.20 for 20 ounces ($0.21 per

ounce). Brand B may cost slightly more upfront, but it is the better deal overall.

You're now on your way to be eating healthy, while ballin' on a budget! I hope these tips helped.