With the rising costs of fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-dense foods, eating healthy may seem out of reach if you are on a tight budget. Fortunately, there are clever ways to keep your grocery bill low while following a nutritious diet. Here are 19 tips to help you eat healthy on a tight budget.
Make a Grocery List
Creating a grocery list of what you need and sticking to it helps keep your budget in check. Take an inventory of your pantry first; this will prevent duplicating items or buying things unnecessarily. Also, look for coupons and sales on items you plan to buy.
Buy in Bulk
Buying foods in bulk can save you money. Bulk items tend to have a longer shelf-life, so buying in bulk may be more cost-effective than single servings. Check the expiration date when purchasing, and only purchase a little of something that can go bad quickly.
Shop at Farmers’ Markets
Look for local farmers’ markets selling fresh produce at a discounted rate. These vendors usually offer more variety and lower prices than larger grocery stores. Knowing that the food is locally grown is a bonus; you can feel confident that it’s fresh and chemical-free.
Grow Your Food
Growing your fruits, vegetables, and herbs can be fun while saving money in the long run. Start with tomatoes, lettuce, squash, peppers, and herbs that are easy to grow in most climates. There are even kits available in stores to help you get started.
Know Your Store’s Price-match Policy
Many stores offer price matching for items that are cheaper elsewhere. Grab this offer at your local store, as it can save you money on healthy foods. Also, some stores will reward you with points for items you buy that can be used for discounts.
Buy Frozen Fruits and Vegetables
Frozen fruits and vegetables can last much longer than fresh produce since they are prepped and washed. Also, Frozen fruits and vegetables are often cheaper than fresh produce, especially out-of-season produce. Go for bags labeled “no added sugar” or “no salt added” for the healthiest options.
Shop the Store’s Brand
Store brands can be just as healthy and often cheaper than name-brand options. Look for store-brand organic foods that meet your healthy criteria and your pocketbook.
Cook at Home
Making your meals at home is usually cheaper than eating out and gives you full control over the ingredients. Also, you can utilize leftovers by stretching them into another meal.
Buy Whole Grains
Whole grains like quinoa, oats, and bulgur are healthy and much cheaper than processed foods. They are also more filling than processed foods, so you get more bang for your buck.
Cook in Bulk
Preparing your meals in bulk can save time and money. Make big batches of soups, stews, and casseroles that can be frozen later. This way, you limit the time spent in the kitchen and still have healthy meals.
Buy Versatile Ingredients
Buying ingredients that can be used for many dishes is a great way to save money. For example, beans can be used for soups, stews, salads, and burritos. Brown rice is a great accompaniment to many dishes and is very affordable. You will get more out of the ingredients if you are creative and resourceful.
Replace Meat With Beans and Lentils
Beans and lentils are much cheaper than meats and are high in fiber and protein. Use them to replace meat in dishes like tacos or burritos or bulk-up salads and soups with them. With this strategy, you can stretch your budget to cover more meals.
Buy Ugly Produce Directly From Companies
You don’t have to buy perfectly shaped fruits and vegetables. Some companies allow you to buy ugly produce at a fraction of the cost. The blemish-free produce at the grocery store has been through a quality check to meet certain standards, which can be expensive. Ugly produce is just as nutritious and tastes the same, but cheaper.
Look for Deals on Dairy Items
Dairy products can be pricey, so look for sales on items like cheese, yogurt, and milk. Many stores have a “reduced for quick sale” section where you can score discounted items that are almost expired.
Shop the Sales
Many stores offer weekly sales on items. Take advantage of these to get discounts on healthy foods you buy. Also, keep an eye out for online deals. Coupons and discounts can be found online, so do some research to find the best deals.
Plan Your Meals Around Sales
Check the store ads for foods on sale and plan your meals around them. Planning your meal around sales helps you save money on healthy foods without sacrificing taste. Also, look for cheaper alternatives to the ingredients you need for a recipe if no sales are available.
Buy in Season
Take advantage of seasonal produce, which is usually cheaper than out-of-season options. Look for recipes that incorporate what’s in season and look for local farmers’ markets or vendors to buy in bulk. This way, you’re getting the freshest produce available, which may be cheaper than the grocery store.
Plan Your Meals Ahead of Time
Having a meal plan for the week can save you time and money. By planning your meals, you’ll know what to buy when you go to the store, avoiding impulse purchases. Plus, you can consider what is on sale and save money.
Eat Less Processed Foods
Processed foods may be convenient, but they can also be expensive and contain unhealthy ingredients. Stick to unprocessed foods as much as possible, like whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. These foods will give you more nourishment and save you money.
More From Health Makes You
30 Dangerous Foods You Didn’t Know Could Kill You
Eating is essential to your survival, but many food items can cause serious harm and put you at risk of death if ingested in large quantities or not prepared properly. Some of them are common foods you consume every day.
30 Dangerous Foods You Didn’t Know Could Kill You
16 Foods Boomers Love That Millennials Won’t Touch
The generation gap between Baby Boomers and Millennials can be seen in many aspects of life, from how they dress and listen to music to how they shop and eat. Here’s a look at some dishes Boomers love, but Millennials won’t touch.
16 Foods Boomers Love That Millennials Won’t Touch
The Top 25 Most Popular Foods in America You Must Try Once in Your Life
America is a melting pot of cultures, and its cuisine reflects that. From coast to coast, you can find all sorts of unique dishes that are delicious and nutritious. Here’s a list of the top 25 most popular foods in America that you must try at least once in your life!
The Top 25 Most Popular Foods in America You Must Try Once in Your Life
15 Foods Americans Eat That Foreigners Find Disgusting
Americans have various culinary preferences, and some foods popular in the United States may seem strange or even disgusting to foreigners. Here are some foods Americans eat that foreigners find most disgusting.
15 Foods Americans Eat That Foreigners Find Disgusting
22 Cheap Foods to Buy When You’re On a Budget
Groceries can take up a significant portion of your budget each month. However, if you carefully choose what you buy, it doesn’t have to be that way.
22 Cheap Foods to Buy When You’re On a Budget
This article was produced on Health Makes You.