Most people want to eat healthy, but think it’s too expensive. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be. There are plenty of simple ways to enjoy a healthy diet without breaking the bank.
In this blog post, IVA Plan breakdown 10 simple ways for anyone to be able to eat healthy on a budget. Alongside helping hundreds get their finances back on track, IVA plan provide information on everything from the latest debt solutions to what information is shown on the insolvency register.
Check out these 10 tips for eating healthy on a budget.
1. Meal Planning:
Planning your meals in advance can help you save money and eat healthier. By knowing what you’re going to make ahead of time, you can make sure to include all the necessary ingredients in your grocery list. You can also take advantage of sales and coupons to save even more money.
2. Shop at Budget-Friendly Stores:
Not all grocery stores are created equal. Some are more expensive than others. When you’re on a budget, it’s important to find the store that offers the best prices on healthy food. Compare prices at different stores before you do your grocery shopping.
3. Buy in Bulk:
When it comes to healthy grocery shopping, one of the best ways to save money is to buy in bulk. Items like rice, beans, and nuts are often much cheaper when purchased in larger quantities, and they can easily be stored for long periods of time. bulk purchases can also help to reduce waste, as you can portion out what you need and avoid throwing away unused food.
4. Avoid Processed Food:
Processed food is often more expensive than whole, unprocessed foods. It’s also generally less healthy, as it tends to be high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. When you’re on a budget, focus on filling your grocery cart with healthy staples like fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish.
5. Grow your own Food:
If you have the space, growing your own food can be a great way to save money and eat healthy. Gardening can be a fun and rewarding hobby, and it’s a great way to get fresh produce without having to pay grocery store prices. Start small with a few easy-to-grow plants, and expand your garden as you become more confident in your gardening skills.
6. Shop at Farmers Markets:
Farmers markets are a great place to find fresh, local, and often cheaper produce than what you’d find at the grocery store. They’re also a great way to support local farmers and get to know your community.
7. Buy Produce with Skin and Bone:
Meat with skin and bone are often cheaper than their skinless and boneless counterparts. For example, chicken thighs are typically cheaper than chicken breasts, and whole carrots are usually cheaper than baby carrots. This produce is also just as nutritious, so there’s no need to worry about sacrificing health for budget-friendly shopping.
8. Buy Frozen Fruits and Vegetables:
Frozen fruits and vegetables are often just as nutritious as fresh produce, and they can be a budget-friendly option when fresh produce is out of season or too expensive. Frozen fruits and vegetables can also last longer than fresh, so you can buy them in bulk and save money that way.
9. Shop in Season:
Produce is typically cheaper when it’s in season. By shopping for seasonal produce, you can save money and get the freshest food possible. This produce is also often more flavourful than out-of-season produce that has been transported long distances.
10. Use Leftovers:
One of the best ways to save money and eat healthy is to use leftovers. Rather than throwing out leftover food, get creative and turn it into a new meal. For example, leftover cooked rice can be used to make fried rice, or leftover roasted vegetables can be added to a soup or salad.
Following these tips can help you save money and still eat healthy. budget-friendly stores, buying in bulk, and avoiding processed foods are all great ways to save money on groceries. You can also save money by growing your own food, shopping at farmers markets, or using leftovers. Seasonal produce is typically cheaper than out-of-season produce, so try to shop for fruits and vegetables that are currently in season. By following these tips, you can eat healthy on a budget.
