Clever Ways to Eat Healthy on a Tight Budget

Do you want to eat healthy but don’t want to spends hundreds of dollars on groceries per week? You’re not alone. Eating healthy, whole foods is good for your physical health and your mental health, but it can also come with a high price tag. When you prioritize eating a healthier diet you’ll have a stronger immune system, clearer skin, better energy, etc, and we want to help make that a little more accessible for you. Keep reading for a few tips to help keep the grocery bill low while you shop for healthy foods!

1. Plan Your Meals

Planning your meals ensures that you know exactly what you’re eating this week so you:

1.  Don’t over-shop and waste food

2. Don’t under-shop and end up eating unhealthy food

Grab a notebook and list out each day of the week, then under each day write what breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack you’ll eat. Then on the next page, write out each ingredient that you’ll need to make every meal that week. Just be sure to check your fridge and pantry before you head to the grocery store so you know what you need and what you already have!

2. Stick to the list

When you’re at the grocery store, you may get a wandering eye towards the snack aisle. Try to stick to the list you made so you only buy what you planned for. A good rule of thumb is to start shopping the outer edges of the store first, as this is where you’ll find whole foods. Processed foods are generally kept in the middle of the grocery store.

3. Cook At Home

Cooking at home for a family of four is generally the same price as what you would pay for a 1-2 person meal out at a restaurant. Of course it’s always fun to eat out, but try to limit it to once or twice a week if you’re on a budget! Also, when you cook at home you know exactly what’s being put in the food which helps you keep to your healthy diet.

4. Cook in large portions

Cooking in larger portions helps you to save time and money. You’re cooking anyways, so just make a little extra so you can put it in Tupperware and have it the next day! Having food options for whenever you feel hungry will stop you from those impulse fast food or take out meals.

5. Don’t shop when you’re hungry

When you go grocery shopping hungry, you’ll be throwing everything in the cart without making conscious decisions. Have a good meal beforehand, and bring the list you made from tip #1 to ensure that you’re only buying what you planned for.

6. Shop produce that’s in season

Buying in-season produce is cheaper than buying out-of-season options. Research which fruits and veggies are in season at the moment and stick to those for your meals.

7. Avoid highly processed foods 

Processed foods like pre-packaged meals, chips, sodas, etc can get to be pretty pricey. When you avoid buying those items, you’re freeing up that budget to get healthier options (plus your body will thank you).

8. Explore other protein options

Meat is generally on the expensive side, so maybe substitute a meal or two a week with other protein options such an legumes, fish, eggs, or tofu! 

9. Buy in bulk

Of course you can’t buy all products in bulk, but for the items that have a longn shelf life, buying in bulk can help save you a lot of money. Things like brown rice, millet, barley, and oats, beans, lentils, some nuts, and dried fruit can all be bought in bigger quantities.

10. Pack your lunch

The most common time when people spend too much money on unhealthy foods is when they’re out and about. Pack your lunch when you head out so you can save money and stick to your healthy diet!