How to Eat Healthy When You Don't Have the Finances

By Brandi Goodman

Go to the supermarket and you may find that the fruits and vegetables -- particularly the organic versions -- cost far more than a box of donuts or bread and lunchmeat. When you don't have the money, eating healthy can be a huge burden on your wallet. It's cheaper to grab the sodium and sugar-packed foods. You can still eat healthy even when you don't have the finances. You just need to keep a few things in mind.

Shop Sales

Instead of shopping at any time during the week, make sure to only shop during the sales. Lots of stores offer unique store savings at different intervals. Wait until you see prices listed at a discount to grab the healthy items you're needing. Some stores even offer a buy one get one half off, or buy so many to get the final one free type of deal. You can check online or in the weekly store paper to see what's being offered.

Participate in Store Savings Programs

Lots of stores offer a particular savings program that can help you cut back on costs. Signing up is usually free, but there may be certain criteria to meet for different sale options and meal choices. You may need to pick a particular brand, for example, to get the deal, or be sure you're buying a certain amount in order to get them all at the discount. Either way, these programs can be beneficial.

Check Out the Discounted Section

Some stores have shelves dedicated to discounted items. Perhaps the bananas were too bruised to sell or the bread has reached its expiration date. Check out this discounted section and see which sale prices are available for that day. You can stop by daily to get your next meal if needed.

Try a Food Pantry

Don't go hungry. Locate a local food pantry that can offer some assistance. Lots of schools and churches offer regularly timed mobile pantries that allow for food pick-up once per month. If there isn't one available, you can still reach out to a church and see if they can help. Many will offer what they can, connect you with a member who can help, or offer additional resources.

Your limited finances don't have to stop you from eating healthy. You can still find ways to get the nutrition you need at a low cost. When you can't afford it at all, food pantries and helpful options are out there to assist you. Otherwise, shopping sales and signing up for special programs can help you get the meals you need at prices you can handle.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Wilmington, N.C.

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