You can be both money-smart and healthy!
As we embark on a new year, many of us are looking to make positive changes, and one common resolution is to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
However, the misconception that healthy eating is expensive often hinders this goal. And we want to prove you otherwise!
You see, we are all about making healthy eating simple, accessible, and affordable for everyone.
In this blog post, we'll explore 15 practical and savvy tips for maintaining a nutritious diet without breaking the bank in 2024.
10 Tips For Eating Healthy On A Budget
1. Plan Your Recipes and Meals
When you plan your meals for the week, you're not only organizing your eating habits but also your budget.
Planning allows you to choose affordable ingredients and reduces the likelihood of last-minute, expensive purchases. Additionally, it minimizes food waste by ensuring that you use ingredients efficiently.
Planning your meals will also help you stay committed and motivated to eat healthier and lose weight, if that is your goal.
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2. Shop with a List
Armed with a well-thought-out shopping list based on your meal plan, you're less likely to be swayed by impulse purchases.
This strategy helps you stay focused on your intended purchases, preventing unnecessary spending on items that might not contribute to your nutritional goals.
Another tip: Don't go shopping on an empty stomach ;-)
3. Utilize Coupons, Special Offers, and Reward Systems
Keeping an eye out for discounts, coupons, and reward programs can significantly impact your overall food expenses.
This savvy approach to shopping helps you maximize your savings while still enjoying quality products.
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4. Embrace Frozen or Canned Foods
Frozen and canned foods are not only convenient but can be more cost-effective than their fresh counterparts.
They also have a longer shelf life, allowing you to buy in bulk without worrying about spoilage. This option is especially useful for ingredients that aren't in season.
Did you know? Frozen produce often has a higher nutritional value than fresh produce on store shelves. This is because fruits and vegetables are at their highest nutritional peak when harvested, and the longer they take to reach the shelves or to be sold, the more nutrients they lose.
5. Stock Up on Staples That Are On Sale
Taking advantage of sales on your favorite staples is a smart financial move
The initial investment may be steep, but stocking up during these promotions saves you money in the long run and avoids paying full price when you run out of essential items.
6. Buy in Bulk
We're all about bulk foods and root for this savings tip all the way!
Purchasing non-perishable items in bulk can result in significant savings. Not to mention the time and energy saved on making numerous trips to the grocery store. Nobody has time for that!
Ensure you have sufficient storage space and properly store items in sealed containers to maintain their freshness and quality over time.
7. Compare Store Brands
Store-brand products often provide the same quality as name-brand alternatives at a lower cost. By making an effort to compare labels and trying out different store brands, you might discover equally nutritious options that better fit your budget.
8. Cook at Home
Dining out or ordering take-out frequently can strain your budget. It's also often very tempting to make unhealthy choices and eat way more than we should when dining out. But we don't blame you; who can resist a good-looking dessert ;-)
Cooking at home allows you to control the ingredients for better nutrition, especially when restricting things like gluten, fat, sugar, or salt, and it will significantly reduce the cost per meal.
You are also in charge of what ingredients you prefer, i.e., only non-GMO or organic foods. In most commercial kitchens, you won't get this choice.
We have tons of delicious RECIPES for you to try at home!
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9. Pre-cook Meals in Batches
Spending a bit of time over the weekend to prepare batch meals ensures that you have convenient, healthy options readily available throughout the week.
This not only saves money but also time during busy weekdays. And it helps to not give in to the temptation to get takeout when it has been a long day.
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10. Opt for Plant-Based Proteins
In case you didn't know, plant-based is our jam.
Plant-based proteins, such as beans and lentils, are not only budget-friendly but also rich in essential nutrients.
Replacing some meat-based meals (or all of them!) with plant-based alternatives contributes to both cost savings and improved overall health.
Read more:
- 6 Major benefits of plant-based proteins to improve your health
- The best vegan protein sources to get all the protein you need
11. Buy Fresh Produce in Season and in Bulk
Purchasing fresh produce when it's in season ensures better flavor, nutrition, and lower prices.
Buying in bulk or per bag instead of per piece and sharing the costs with friends or family, further maximizes your savings.
12. Support Local Farmer's Markets
Visiting your local farmer's markets will expose you to a variety of fresh, locally sourced produce. You might even find some interesting, exotic options you have never tried!
Shopping local will provide cost-competitive alternatives to chain stores. And by supporting local farmers and businesses, you contribute to both your community and your budget.
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13. Start a Vegetable Garden
Get those fingernails dirty!
Growing your own vegetables not only provides a rewarding and educational experience but also slashes your fresh produce costs.
It's a sustainable way to ensure a supply of nutrient-rich ingredients right from your backyard.
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14. Learn The Traditional Art Of Canning
Canning food is an age-old tradition of preserving fresh produce. This technique allows you to preserve your harvested fruits and vegetables, allowing you to enjoy them for many more months.
This way, fresh produce doesn't end up in the bin, and you don't waste money on yet another bag of apples begging to be eaten before they rot!
Hop over to Homegrown to learn everything you need about canning food. They've got an amazing canning course! You'll also find tons of delicious canning recipes from Azure Farm.
15. Go Back To The Old Ways
And try making things from scratch!
Experimenting with homemade staples like sourdough bread, yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and lemonade not only adds a personal touch to your meals but also cuts down on the cost of pre-packaged and unhealthy alternatives.
Plus, you have the freedom to customize flavors to suit your preferences.
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