Eating a nutritious diet doesn’t have to cost a fortune, if you know how to shop around and get the best deal, you can buy delicious, healthy food on a budget. Here are 7 great tips for how to eat healthily while watching your wallet:
1. Make a List and Stick to It
Making a shopping list at the beginning of the week can help you stay focused and avoid impulse purchases. Planning your meals ahead of time will also help you organize meals and snacks that are nutritionally balanced while buying only what you need to avoid waste.
2. Buy In-Season Produce
When you buy fruits and vegetables that are in season, they will not only be freshest and best tasting, but also be the most cost effective. Buying produce in bulk is a great way to make the most of seasonal produce, and you can use special freezing techniques to preserve your bounty for a longer period of time.
3. Buy in Bulk
Purchasing items in bulk from wholesale stores or through a store membership will help you to save big on staple items like whole grains, legumes, nuts, olive oil, and more. Buying in bulk helps you to stock up and save in the long run.
4. Skip Pre-made and Packaged Foods
While some pre-made and packaged foods can be helpful for convenience, these tend to be more expensive and are usually higher in sugar, fat, and sodium than their less processed counterparts. Choosing whole foods and preparing meals on your own is often more nutritious and cost effective.
5. Try Meatless Meals
Transitioning to plant-based meals featuring legumes, nuts, and whole grains is more nutrient dense and typically less expensive than meals that feature animal proteins. Meatless meals can also be delicious, healthy, and economical.
6. Cook More at Home
Eating out is often more expensive and less healthy than cooking at home, as restaurants tend to use more salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats. Making meals at home can not only save you money, but can also provide an opportunity to get creative in the kitchen and experiment with different flavors and ingredients.
7. Buy Frozen and Canned
Frozen and canned fruits and vegetables are usually just as nutritious as fresh produce and can be much more cost effective and easier to store. Just make sure to check the cans and packages for added sugar or salt.
Overall, by making smart and healthy choices, you can enjoy tasty, nutrient-rich meals on a budget. Eating healthy does not need to be difficult or expensive; with a bit of planning ahead, you can fuel your body with good nutrition without breaking the bank.
What are some healthy snacks to eat on a budget?
1. Apples and peanut butter.
2. Trail mix.
3. Overnight oats.
4. Homemade granola bars.
5. Celery and hummus.
6. Sliced vegetables with Greek yogurt dip.
7. Air-popped popcorn.
8. Roasted chickpeas.
9. Baked sweet potato fries.
10. Whole wheat pita chips and guacamole.
What are some nutritious snacks that are cheap to buy?
1. Apples and peanut butter
2. Celery and hummus
3. Carrots and Greek yogurt dip
4. Whole wheat crackers and cheese
5. Nuts and dried fruit
6. Popcorn
7. Trail mix
8. Hardboiled egg
9. Veggies and Ranch dip
10. Cottage cheese and fresh fruit
What are some easy healthy snacks to make at home?
1. Greek yogurt with berries and honey
2. Trail mix (nuts, seeds, dried fruit)
3. Hummus and cut veggies
4. Fruit and nut bars
5. Frozen grapes
6. Smoothie
7. Cucumber slices with cream cheese and herbs
8. Hard boiled eggs
9. Avocado toast
10. Apple slices with peanut butter
What healthy snacks can I make in bulk?
1. Baked Zucchini Chips
2. Trail Mix
3. Bananas and/or Dried Fruit
4. Roasted Chickpeas
5. Hard-Boiled Eggs
6. Yogurt Parfaits with Granola
7. Hummus and Veggie Sticks
8. Popcorn
9. Whole-Grain Wraps with Peanut Butter and Banana
10. Baked Kale Chips
What are some quick and easy healthy snacks to make in bulk?
1. Trail Mix – Combine your favorite nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and dark chocolate chips for a delicious snack.
2. Energy Bites – Roll together a mixture of dates, nuts, shredded coconut, and a bit of honey or maple syrup for a tasty treat.
3. Homemade Protein Bars – Combine oats, protein powder, nut butter, and dried fruit for a satisfying on-the-go snack.
4. Roasted Chickpeas – Spice up canned chickpeas for a crunchy snack you can munch on all week.
5. Fruit and Nut Bars – Stir together rolled oats, nuts, dried fruit, and nut butter for no-bake, bite-size goodness.
6. Veggie Chips – Slice up your favorite veggies and roast them in the oven for an easy finger food.
7. Granola Bars – Combine oats, honey, nuts, and dried fruit for a chewy and satisfying snack.
8. Ants on a Log – Spread nut butter on celery and top with your favorite raisins for a classic snack.
9. Hard-Boiled Eggs – These protein-packed eggs are super easy to make in bulk.
10. Rice Cakes – Top these airy crackers with crunchy nuts, nut butter, or your favorite spread.
What healthy snacks can be made in bulk and stored for later?
1. Hard boiled eggs
2. Trail mix
3. Air-popped popcorn
4. Mixed nuts
5. Roasted chickpeas
6. Cucumber slices with hummus
7. Apple and nut butter slices
8. Banana and nut butter rolls
9. Seasoned roasted edamame
10. Dehydrated vegetable chips
11. Oatmeal energy balls
12. Avocado toast squares
13. Frozen yogurt bites
14. Whole grain muffins
15. Celery and nut butter sandwiches
