When it comes to eating healthy, many people think that they have to break the bank in order to do so. This simply isn’t true! Instead, you can start eating healthier on a budget by making small changes to your diet and shopping habits.
This blog post will discuss some tips for eating healthy on a budget. So read on for more information on how to start your journey to healthier eating with a tight budget.
Plan Meals in Advance
This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’ll be surprised at how much money you can save by planning your meals ahead of time. When you have a plan for what you’re going to eat during the week, you can make sure that you’re only buying the ingredients that you need. This will help you avoid wasting food (and money!)
The first step is to take a look at your calendar and see what you have going on for the week. If you have any busy nights where you won’t have time to cook, make sure to plan accordingly. You can either cook a big meal that will last you a few days, or you can opt for something quick and easy like takeout.
Once you know what your schedule looks like, you can start planning your meals. If you’re cooking at home, try to make use of leftovers or simple ingredients that can be used in multiple ways. For example, if you cook a big pot of rice, you can use it for Fried Rice later in the week or as a base for a soup or stew.
If you’re eating out, take a look at the menu ahead of time and see if there are any healthy options that fit into your budget. Sometimes, it’s cheaper to eat out than it is to cook at home, so don’t be afraid to treat yourself every once in a while!
Shop the Right Way
The type of store that you shop at can make a big difference in the price of your groceries. If you’re on a tight budget, try shopping at discount stores or local farmers’ markets. You can usually find good deals on produce and other items at these types of stores.
Another option is to join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). With this type of membership, you pay upfront for a share of the season’s harvest. This is a great way to get fresh, local produce at a fraction of the price. Additionally, you can try shopping at ethnic markets. These stores often have lower prices on common ingredients that you would use in your cooking.
Use Coupons and Discounts
This tip can definitely help you save money on groceries. Before you go shopping, take a look at your local store’s circular or this website called Net Voucher Codes (for example in the UK) to see if there are any coupons or discounts that you can use. You’d be surprised at how much money you can save just by using a few coupons!
The best way to use coupons is to combine them with sale items. This will help you get the most bang for your buck! For example, if you have a coupon for $1 off a box of cereal, and the cereal is on sale for $2, you’ll only have to pay $1 for the cereal.
Buy in Bulk
When it comes to buying groceries, buying in bulk can be a great way to save money. The key is only to buy what you will use in the near future. If you have a large family, buying in bulk may be the best option for you. However, if you live alone, it’s probably not worth it to buy a large quantity of a single item.
One way to buy in bulk is to join a warehouse club like Costco or Sam’s Club. These clubs offer great deals on food and other items. Another option is to shop at local farmers’ markets. These markets often have produce and other items that are sold in bulk. If you do decide to buy in bulk, make sure to have a plan for how you will use all of the food. Otherwise, you’ll end up wasting it!
Meal Prep & Plan
Meal prep can be a great way to save time and money. By doing some of the work ahead of time, you can make sure that you have healthy meals ready to go when you’re short on time. Additionally, meal prep can help you avoid wasting food.
One way to meal prep is to cook large quantities of food at once and then portion it out into individual servings. This way, you can just grab a pre-made meal when you’re in a hurry. Another option is to make a big batch of soup or stew and then freeze it in individual portions. This can be an excellent option for busy nights when you don’t have time to cook.
Healthy Meal Plans to Follow
Here on the OPL website there are several meal plans to follow depending on diet:
- Whole30 Meal Plan (elimination diet)
- Paleo Meal Plan (great for avoiding unhealthy ingredients)
- Keto Meal Plan (perfect for reducing blood sugar, carbs)
If you’re really short on time, you can also do meal prep by doing some of the chopping and other prep work ahead of time. This way, when you’re ready to cook, all you have to do is throw the ingredients together. Meal prep can definitely take some time to get used to, but it’s definitely worth it in the long run!
Use Leftovers
Instead of throwing away your leftovers, use them to make new meals! There are endless possibilities when it comes to using leftovers. For example, you can turn yesterday’s roast into today’s sandwich filling or tomorrow’s soup.
If you have trouble using up all of your leftovers, try freezing them in individual portions. This way, you can just grab what you need when you’re in a hurry. Additionally, you can try making a big batch of soup or stew and then freezing it in individual servings. This can be an excellent option for busy nights when you don’t have time to cook.
In conclusion, eating healthy doesn’t have to be expensive. By following these tips, you can save money and still eat healthily!