Among the most common reasons I hear for why people are hesitant to make healthy changes to their diet is that eating healthy is too expensive. While it is true that fresh, quality products are more expensive item for item than processed, low-quality, “fast” foods, most people would be surprised how many ways there are to save money and still eat a healthy, whole and clean diet.
Here are 5 tips for budget friendly healthy eating:
1.) Buy Produce in Season.
Buying fruits and vegetable according to what’s in season is a very easy and effective way to save some green. Produce that are in season will not only be less expensive, but at the peak of freshness and nutritional value. This also allows you to explore different recipes and find creative ways to work in those fall or winter season vegetables! We’re coming up on summer, which means more than slathering on sun block and hitting the water. Tons of fresh fruits and vegetables are at the peak of their nutritional value and much reduced in price. This means that you can hit up your local farmer’s market or grocer and buy your favorite fresh produce without breaking the bank.
2.) Buy in Bulk
Buying in bulk is probably the single best thing that you can do to save money on food. When you purchase healthy foods in bulk you reduce the cost per pound or unit, which adds up to real savings. This is true in regards to both fresh items as well as canned or frozen food. But what do I do with all of this food after I buy it, you ask? Keep reading!
3.) Freeze, Freeze, Freeze.
One of the best discoveries I ever made when it comes to healthy eating and meal planning is freezing. Oh, the joys of cooking up a gigantic batch of vegetable lentil soup, turkey chili, black bean quinoa, vegetable lasagna or whatever your healthy heart desires and then freezing half the batch to be devoured at a later date with close to no additional effort. Same amount of cooking, twice as much enjoying. Yes, please! This brainy little strategy is particularly helpful when combined with helpful tip #1 and #2. Buying in season, and in bulk doesn’t have to result in a bunch of food spoiling on your countertop or in your refrigerator before you have the chance to enjoy it. Almost all meals and produce can be prepared in large quantities and portioned out into convenient frozen for-later dishes. Notice I say almost. I tried to freeze guacamole once and it didn’t turn out so well. Goopy. But, I have since done my re-search and discovered where I went wrong. I’m sure you will have many discoveries along the way as well. Freezing is not only wallet friendly, but it’s time sparing. Who doesn’t love coming home to a homemade, healthy meal that just needs to be popped into the oven or heated in the crock-pot? Being a busy nurse, wife and mom; I know I do!
4.) Plant a Garden
Gardening is one of my favorite hobbies. I get to spend time outdoors, dig in the dirt with my girls and save money on delicious, organic food! Whether you are dealing with a large backyard garden, or some pots on a sunny windowsill I dare to say anyone can cultivate a little garden that can save you a lot of money. Depending on your available space, and agricultural zone you can grow anything from herbs and berries to oranges and avocados; all of which add up to big savings. You don’t have to have a green thumb to make gardening a success either. With a little water, sunlight and practice your garden will be sprouting money saving deliciousness in no time!
5.) Cook Simply
This one is a mainstay in my house. If I check out a recipe that I think I would like to make and it calls for some random, fancy or rare ingredient, I must confess; I either find a way to substitute it for something I use frequently, leave it out, or skip the recipe altogether. Cooking dishes that require you to buy a bunch of extra ingredients that you wouldn’t normally use, or can’t use in other dishes is a sure-fire way to waste money. In the past I have made the mistake of going out and buying that odd item, using one teaspoon of it, and then eventually throwing it away when I find it in the back of my refrigerator long past the expiration date. Now, I’m not saying that you can’t spread your wings a little and try new things. I’m simply saying that coordinating your meals and ingredients so that you are likely to use everything you buy is a money saving mainstay.
