Eating Healthy on a Budget

Healthy Eating, Eating Healthy

At first glance it seems that eating a healthier diet can cost so much more than always buying the over processed foods. And not to mention the lack of coupons on real foods!! Seriously though, to whomever is in charge of coupon creation needs to work on this! 

Really, there is no major secret to saving money while eating healthier, it takes some work and planning to save money and to be efficient. Here are some tips to lead you in the right direction


Plan Ahead

This is the most important way to be successful. When you are eating cleaner you are buying more natural and less processed foods. Meaning a lot more foods that will not live quite as long. So in order to avoid having a lot of waste you want to make sure you know exactly what you need for the week. Usually every Sunday I sit down and make a meal plan for the week and track how many servings I need, so I don’t over buy.

Look for Sales

Before you do your meal planning look and see what is on sale this week at your local store. My local store often has buy 1 get 1 berries or 2 for $5 type sales. A few of my meals are flexible to switch up depending whats on sale. Yogurt or cottage cheese with fruit, smoothies, and even salads can be mixed up depending on the veggies that are on sale.

Shop Seasonally

Meal plan in season. Certain fruits and veggies tend to be cheaper during their better season.

Fall: squash, pumpkin, and apples.

Winter: onions, sweet potatoes, and Brussels Sprouts.

Spring: strawberries, green beans, and spinach

Summer: Watermelon, tomatoes, blueberries, and avocados

You can also check out your local farmers market which will have seasonal veggies usually for a better price then your grocery store

Here is an amazing website that will help you find the seasonal produce in your area!

Buy Frozen

Now this might take some experimenting. There are somethings I do not mind frozen and somethings I will not eat frozen. Fruits for my shakes I will buy frozen, I actually prefer them frozen in most cases because it adds more of a frosty feeling, making it seem more of a treat! Frozen corn, broccoli, cauliflower, and mixed veggie steamer bags I also do not mind frozen. Brussels sprouts however, I personally do not like them frozen. So give it a try to see what you like and what you don’t. It’s always nice to have some frozen veggies at least on back up for a day you’re feeling especially tired or busy.

Buy Some Items in Bulk

Not everything is a good idea to buy in bulk but there are a few things that I found store a long time and are cheaper when purchased in bulk. First, the frozen fruits and veggies you know you like. I drink a blended shake every day so having a small variety of frozen fruits in the fridge keeps me from getting bored and saves a lot on money and waste. Quinoa and other grains are also usually good buys. Along with almonds and jerky which are great healthy snack items.
 Save Money, Healthy Eating

I hope this helps! Share what tips you use to save some money while shopping!

Comments

  1. Natalie

    These are great tips! I’ve been trying to eat healthier and it can get expensive. Trying to shop seasonally and frozen are 2 ways that I’ve tried cutting costs as well.

  2. Amanda

    You have some great tips. One thing you can do is check for U-Pick places. It is a fun outing for the kids and sometimes the farm allows you to “pick for halves.” This is where you keep 1/2 and the farm gets 1/2 to sell. Another is to look for a community garden that allows you to have fresh produce in exchange for spending time working in the garden. And, check for food co-ops….splitting large quantities into lesser quantities by working as a community is a good way to get healthy produce, bulk goods, and cheese at great prices.

  3. Amber

    Awesome tips! I have to make a grocery list and stick to it. When i start adding chips and all the extra junk my bill shoots up! I always freeze the fruits and veggies that havent been eaten yet before they go bad for our smoothies 😊 hate wasting money

  4. Sarah Camille

    I love your tips! It’s annoying how expensive some healthy foods can be (and some healthy food stores… Whole Foods!? haha), but if you’re strategic you can definitely get the price down. 🙂
    xo, SC // SCsScoop.com

  5. Elizabeth Brico

    These are great tips. I am a vegan and eating healthy is important to me but I am also on a suuuuuuuuper tight budget. I already do some of these, but will have to start more. I’ve shied away from frozen veggies, but may have to start giving more a try!

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