How Do You Eat Healthy On A Budget?
When you’re on a budget, start at home for the best value and the healthiest food.
How to Eat Cheap and Healthy – Start at Home
Cooking at home with quality food, rather than dining out, is key. When cooking at home, you can usually make four meals for the same cost as buying one or two meals dining out. And, along with saving money, you’ll also benefit from knowing the ingredients that you use to make your meals.
Have a Plan
When it comes to how to eat healthy on a budget, the process begins with a meal plan for the week. Decide what menu of food you want to prepare and eat, and then make a list of the items you’ll need from the store.
Then, be sure to follow your own list, rather than straying into impulse buys which may be less healthy, cost more, or be more difficult to prepare or preserve.
Armed with a meal plan and shopping list to follow, you’ll be all set to discover both the short and long term benefits of eating well on a budget.
Buy in Bulk
You’ll find that many foods cost less when they are purchased in bulk, rather than in individual packages. A pound of uncooked beans is less expensive than individual cans, for example. Buying a full block of cheese instead of pre-shredded or sliced will also save money.
And, besides being less expensive, bulk foods are often less processed, making them the best value for your health as well as your budget.
Whole Foods are the Healthiest
Along with costing less than processed items, bulk foods are often whole foods. Whole foods are those items that aren’t processed at all, or minimally so. This includes whole grains such as rice, quinoa, and oatmeal; legumes; fresh fruits such as apples; and vegetables. Root vegetables can be an especially good value. Whole foods don’t need labels or have a long list of preservatives or additives. Food items like these that cost less and and don’t include unhealthy foods are a win-win for your wallet and your health.
Expensive processed foods often are low in good-for-you nutrients, while being quite high in salt and added sugar that are bad for your health. They include items such as frozen pizza, packaged burgers, soda, cookies, and cured meats. So, when it comes down to how to eat healthy on a budget, purchasing whole foods is always the best plan.
Go Light on Meat Protein
Sure, protein is important. But it’s easy to find plenty of protein in non-meat items that are better for you as well as being a good way to save even more money for your healthy dining budget.
Eggs, legumes, hemp seeds, and canned fish such as tuna are far less expensive than red meat, pork, or chicken, and they are very nutritious, too.
Buy Fruit and Vegetables in Season
Locally sourced produce in season is less expensive than imported or out-of-season veggies and fruit. And buying in bulk, by the bag or box rather than in individual pieces is often less costly as well. You can always preserve extra produce by freezing it.
Learn More About Longevity Herbs
Finally, another way to supplement your healthy diet is through Longevity Herbs. To learn more, explore our selection of products online or reach out and contact us today.
