How to Eat Healthy on a Budget

Eating healthy on a budget is possible with some smart planning and strategic shopping.
It doesn’t need to take you hours to plan out a healthy meal and shop for the best ingredients but it will take some time to get in the flow of knowing where to shop and what to buy to get the best bang for your buck.

Here are some tips to help you make nutritious choices that will fuel your body, help stabilize weight, increase energy and even balance blood sugar levels, without breaking the bank:

• Plan Your Meals: Before heading to the grocery store, take some time to plan your meals for the week. This will help you create a shopping list and avoid impulse purchases.
  PRO TIP: Never shop when hungry!
  
  

• Buy in Bulk: Purchase items like whole grains, legumes, and nuts in bulk. This is often cheaper than buying smaller quantities and will last you for several meals. For bulk, I always start at Costco. Not only can you often find the best deals but a lot of their bulk bags like chia, flax and hemp are organic so win-win!
  
  

• Choose Seasonal Produce: Seasonal fruits and vegetables are not only fresher but also more affordable. Check out your local farmer's market or discount grocers for the best deals.
  If you still want some yummy raspberries but don’t want to pay the $5-$8 price for a small container just buy frozen! Little nutrients are lost in the freezing process plus you can keep items for longer when frozen, decreasing food going bad and wasting money!
  
  

• Compare Prices: Don't settle for the first price you see. Compare prices at different stores or consider generic brands which are usually cheaper than name brands.
  I always like to cruise online or mailer fliers when planning my weekly meals.
  

• 5. Cook at Home: Eating out can be expensive. Cooking meals at home not only saves money but also allows you to control the ingredients and portion sizes. Cooking at home also has mood-boosting benefits as it increases serotonin production when cooking your food yourself and eating it with loved ones.
  (Even if that just means your pets!)
  
  

• Limit Processed Foods: Processed and convenience foods tend to be cheaper but that also equals long-term negative cost on your health. Opt for whole foods and prepare your meals from scratch so you can know what you are putting into your body so you decrease the chances of paying for it in the long run.
  
  

• Utilize Leftovers: Get creative with leftovers! Repurpose foods from previous meals into new dishes to reduce food waste and save money on buying additional ingredients.
  I also love making a base of veggies and adding different meats throughout the week! WAY less work than remaking everything every night.
   

• Drink Water: Skip the sugary drinks and stick to water. Not only is it better for your health, but it's also much cheaper.
  If you are craving something more intriguing to your taste buds add in lemon, mint, blueberries, raspberries, etc to give a little boost of flavour!
  
  

• Snack Smart: Instead of buying expensive pre-packaged snacks, opt for budget-friendly options like fresh fruits, vegetables with hummus, or homemade trail mix.
  I love making my own mixes as you know exactly what is in the ingredients and can more easily make it what you love!
  
  

• Look for Sales and Coupons: Keep an eye out for sales, discounts, and coupons to save money on groceries. Many stores offer loyalty programs that can help you get additional discounts.
  I highly recommend that your grocery store has a points program to sign up as it can save A LOT of money if you are making large weekly purchases!

By following these tips, you can prioritize your health without sacrificing your budget. With a little planning and mindfulness, eating healthy on a budget can be both achievable and enjoyable.

The next time you get overwhelmed when planning out your weekly meals send me a message and we’ll go over how I can help simplify and streamline your and your family's eating to save money and increase your nutrition!