Many people believe that it is impossible to eat healthy on a budget. And yet the truth of the matter is, this notion is far from the truth. There are many healthy foods that are wallet-friendly compared to junk and unhealthy food. And perhaps we both know the reason why.
Take the example of rice and beans, it is the perfect example of healthy, budget-friendly good. Not that we are saying you should be eating this consistently, but it a healthy meal that fits well in a budget. There are several tricks and cheap ingredients you can incorporate into your meals. In this post, we will show you all that and more.
If you have been in search of healthy and budget-friendly ingredients to kick-start your healthy eating journey, then you have come to the right place. Continue reading and let’s get down to the details.
Buy What Is In Season
Shopping for watermelons in November will cost you an arm and a leg, and we bet it won't even be that tasty and fresh. As a rule, always shop for vegetables and fruits that are in season. Not only is this is way cheaper, but your food will also be more fresh and full of flavor. Check out local farmer’s market and don’t stick to one vendor; walk around and see who has the most affordable products, then buy from them.
Some vendors are willing to cut the price as long as you buy in bulk or if you are paying in cash. What’s more, if you hit the market later in the evening, prices will have dropped as vendors will be looking to sell their last items. And don’t forget that you can always negotiate prices.
Avoid Meat
We all know eating meat all the time is not the healthiest of options, and that’s why you need to reduce your intake of it. Further, meat can be expensive. You could start slowly; maybe one a week opt to skip having meat in your meal. There are several other options for protein like lentils and various beans. And if you must buy meat, stick to the lean cuts which are always on sale.
Cook Enough Food For Leftovers
Cooking healthy food yourself at home is always going to be cheaper than eating out. What’s more, cooking enough that you can store some for later is even better. Always go for foods that can serve you and your family for days such as casseroles, chili, stews, and so on. Something you can grab and warm when you don’t have enough time is perfect. This will save you from buying quick meals when you are in a hurry. Also, consider going for the slow cooker and other instant pot recipes.
Avoid Eating Out
Eating out is quite expensive. Even further, it is not healthy because you have no idea how it was cooked and who cooked it. When many people are hungry, all they think about is to run to the nearest restaurant and grab something to eat instead of cooking their food.
The truth is, just because it seems easy, doesn’t mean it’s the right thing to do. Eating out and grabbing fast food does more harm than good in so many ways. First, it is expensive and, secondly, it is very unhealthy. So, think about these two points before you enter a restaurant to eat.
Always Buy In Bulk
This is a no brainer; buying foods in bulk saves you a lot of money in the long run. We don’t mean to say that you are supposed to purchase sacks of grains and fill your house. Rather, if you eat one kilogram of beans in two days, calculate how many kilograms you need to buy to last you two weeks. Some stores reduce prices when people buying in bulk. A $30-dollar saving can go a long way. Always look out for deals in your stores as well.
Bottom Line
While some people might think eating healthy on a budget is a mystery, it’s doable. If other people have done it, so can you. Just like anything else in life, you need to be intentional, dedicated, and also be ready to make tough decisions. If you are disciplined enough to implement these tips, your wallet and body will thank you for it.
