Eating healthily on a budget can be daunting. But it doesn’t have to be; there are plenty of budget-friendly ways to provide your family with nutritious foods at reasonable costs.
Focusing on whole foods and making smart choices are the keys to eating well. Avoiding processed items such as soda, cookies, crackers and prepackaged meals is an excellent place to begin.
1. Focus on whole foods.
When it comes to making healthy food choices on a budget, the most essential aspect is focusing on whole foods. This means eating vegetables, fruits, grains and legumes that haven’t been processed or altered in any way.
Processed foods often lack essential nutrients that their unprocessed counterparts offer. Furthermore, these meals tend to be high in sugar, salt and fat.
They’re also not particularly filling, which may contribute to weight gain and health complications.
Health experts say the key to healthy eating is incorporating a variety of whole foods. A great strategy for doing so is eating more fresh produce like fruits and vegetables, eating more whole grains, and limiting sugar consumption.
2. Buy in bulk.
Bulking up on groceries can help you save money, but be mindful of how much you buy in bulk and which items should be purchased that way.
Start by identifying what items you typically purchase. Then, compare the cost per unit to what you would pay if you bought in bulk.
Another option is to research prices on your desired items and find the lowest possible cost. Doing this can help you save a considerable amount of money!
Bulking up on gas can also be an effective way to cut back on expenses. This strategy may be particularly advantageous if you drive often or if gas prices have been steadily increasing.
3. Look for deals.
When it comes to making healthy food choices on a budget, it’s best to shop smart. Whether you’re at your local supermarket, farmers market or Amazon, look for deals on items that matter most for you and your family. Additionally, try not to make impulse purchases, especially for more costly items like fresh fruits and vegetables.
Spend less money by buying in bulk and freezing your purchases for later use. There are various apps and websites that offer great deals on healthy foods; the most notable being mpowered by Amazon, an online grocery delivery service offering free two-hour deliveries on select items to eligible Prime members.
4. Try new recipes.
When trying to make healthier food choices on a budget, it’s essential to try new recipes. Doing so will allow you to hone your culinary skills and gain new techniques.
Cooking new recipes is an excellent opportunity to experiment with flavors. This will allow you to discover foods that you enjoy cooking and dishes you’ll want to make again and again.
Cooking dishes from different countries can be a fun and educational activity for the whole family! This activity will allow you to gain more insight into other cultures.
5. Eat meatless meals.
No matter if you’re vegan, vegetarian or simply trying to cut back on meat consumption, there are plenty of plant-based sources of protein that are both economical and delicious. From tofu to quinoa, the selection is almost endless – you won’t believe how many options there are for you!
Eating meatless meals can reduce your risk for heart disease and other diseases related to high blood pressure or cholesterol. The key is focusing on healthy nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans.
To save even more money, opt for less costly cuts of meat such as chicken thighs and stewing beef instead of a prime cut of steak. Not only will these cheaper cuts taste delicious, but it can stretch your budget even further.
