Tips for Eating Healthy on a Budget
By Sara Butler
There's a popular idea floating around out there that healthy eating means expensive eating, but that's simply not the case. There are several options you can use to improve the quality of the foods you eat without impacting the quality of your life outside the kitchen. Simply put, with these tips you can enjoy healthy eating without breaking the bank.
First: Create a Budget!
How can you stick to a budget for food if you don't have one? The first thing everyone should do is sit down and figure out how much money you need to spend on food for your family each week. If you need help, the USDA has a site with food plans that incorporate how much you'd like to spend, the size of your family, and the ages of everyone you'll be feeding. Check it out and get an idea for how much you should look to spend on food.
Look at Alternatives
Where you currently shop for your food may not be the most cost-effective option. Some alternatives that may be available to you to source healthy fresh food include:
- Farms - Are there any local farms in your area that sell fresh, seasonal produce? You may be surprised to find one! This is a great option because it cuts out the middleman to help keep food costs manageable and the food will be in its nutritional prime to boot.
- Food co-op - Some communities have food cooperatives that offer quality food to its members at a discount. You may have to pay a fee for membership or work monthly in exchange for buying food there, but it's an option worth pursuing.
Make a Plan
Once you figure out your budget and where you can get some of your food, make sure to create a plan for everything else you need to get. You can:
- Scout out sales - Weekly sales are often offered at your local grocery store, so take a minute to check out what's on sale and see if you can use it in your cooking plans
- Download a coupon app - There are some coupon apps you can put right on your smartphone to help find some good deals. Simply be aware that a lot of these coupons can be for processed, packaged food and you're trying to eat healthier, so give them a pass!
- Create a list - Do not step foot into a store without a list. Get what's on it and then leave so you can stick to your budget. It'll get easier!
Eating healthy doesn't have to mean you sacrifice other things you enjoy in your life. You don't have to be a slave to your health, but you do have to put a little work into it!
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