Trying to eat healthy while on a budget can be challenging for anyone.
However, it can be done! With self-discipline and planning, you can create inexpensive meals. The first step in creating a lifestyle change is saying good-bye to the old one.
Prepare your kitchen for eating healthy. That means going through the pantry and your refrigerator. Say good-bye to all the dead foods in your cupboards, the ones that aren’t giving you any nutritional value.
Get rid of old spices, sauces, and old food that may be expired. Make room for the nutrient-rich food.
Say good-bye to sugar, boxed food, processed food, and bleached food (such as white pasta or white rice). Your meals should consist of 50% fruits and vegetables. The other half should be healthy grains and protein.
Making Inexpensive Meals Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
The hardest part of changing your lifestyle is knowing where to start. The easiest beginning place in creating healthy cheap meals is making a list. Simple enough, right?
Create a List
Like most, you may find knowing what to get at the store to be intimidating. Creating a list will help you stay on budget, and it will curb those impulse buys.
Try using an app like Meallime. It makes meal planning easy! You can customize your meal plan to your eating preference (ex. keto, paleo, etc.).
You can choose the meals, and Meallime will pull together a grocery list for you. It even gives you the option to add or subtract items.
Visit a Farmers Market
Visiting a farmers market will help you stay on track with your healthy eating. You will be able to buy great products for a reduced cost, all while supporting those in your community.
Besides, fresh produce from the farm means a richer flavor in your healthy meals.
Buy Your Healthy Food in Bulk
Try visiting a store like Whole Foods Market, where you can buy food in bulk. Buying in bulk will allow you to not only become more eco-friendly, but it will help you save money.
Buying in bulk doesn’t mean you have to buy a lot. In fact, buying in bulk will allow you the opportunity to buy only what you need. Some foods you can buy in bulk are:
- Seeds
- Grains
- Nuts
- Flours
- Dry Beans
- Spices & Herbs
- Coffee
- Pasta
- & More!
Freeze Your Fruits and Veggies
Fruits and vegetables are normally grown in seasons. That means when it’s out of season, it’s more expensive. If you stock up when they are in season (and on sale), you can freeze them for enjoyment at a later time.
Frozen fruits and veggies are great to use in smoothies too!
Create a Budget
By creating a budget for your groceries, this will give you a guideline on what to spend at the store. This will also give you the power to say no to that delicious chocolate bar when you are struggling with a craving.
Whether you are a small business owner who needs help with check stubs, please visit https://www.thepaystubs.com/ or a single Mom of four, a budget is a great tool to help you stay on track.
Start Eating Healthy Today!
Eating healthy on a budget isn’t as complicated as you think. Creating inexpensive meals is easy when you know where to look. For more information on leading a healthy lifestyle, visit our website!