Eating healthy while living on a budget can be difficult. Many people believe eating foods that are good for you means spending a lot of money. Thankfully there are a few strategies to eating healthy while on a budget.
1. Look for local farmer’s markets
Local farmer’s markets are a great place to find affordable, healthy produce. Often times the fruits and vegetables are cheaper than the same items you’d find in the grocery store. Many farmer’s markets also offer free samples or discounts throughout the day.
2. Invest in a slow cooker
Using a slow cooker is a great way to meal plan for the week. You can buy in bulk and cook healthy meals that last for several days. Slow cooker meals can be prepared beforehand and provide a nutritious, affordable option for busy weeks.
3. Buy in bulk
Buying items in bulk from warehouse stores such as Alibaba and Costco can potentially save a lot of money. Nuts, seeds and grains tend to last a long time when stored correctly, and buying them in bulk can give you plenty of variety for healthy snacks, sides and meals.
4. Utilize frozen foods
Freezing and buying frozen fruits and vegetables can help save on produce costs. Frozen foods tend to be cheaper than their fresh counterparts and they tend to have a longer shelf life.
5. Plan meals ahead of time
Meal planning prevents waste, saves time throughout the week, and also allows you to buy what’s on sale. Planning your meals ahead of time will also prevent having to eat out or reach for unhealthy convenience foods when you’re in a pinch.
Following these simple strategies can help you stay healthy without breaking the bank. Eating healthy doesn’t have to be expensive, with some planning and creativity you can make your grocery budget stretch further.
For more tips and tricks, check out:
- 5 Ways to Eat Healthy on a Budget
- How to Save Money by Eating Healthy
- Simple Ways to Eat Healthy Without Breaking the Bank
What are some cheap and healthy snacks for when eating on a budget?
1. Fruits and vegetables.
2. Popcorn.
3. Trail mix.
4. Nuts and seeds.
5. Dried fruit.
6. Hummus and vegetables.
7. Air-popped chips.
8. Peanut butter on whole grain bread.
9. Greek yogurt with granola.
10. Whole wheat crackers with cheese.
What are some easy and healthy snacks to make?
1. Baked Zucchini Chips
2. Greek Yogurt Parfait
3. Frozen Banana Bites
4. Hummus and Veggies
5. Homemade Granola Bars
6. Popcorn with Parmesan Cheese
7. Trail Mix
8. Roasted Chickpeas
9. Edamame
10. Apple Slices with Almond Butter
What are some healthy snacks I can make in less than 10 minutes?
1. Trail mix – mix a handful of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit.
2. Hard boiled eggs – cook up a batch ahead of time and keep them in the fridge for easy snacking.
3. Fruit and yogurt parfait – layer Greek yogurt, berries, and granola for a protein-packed snack.
4. Avocado toast – mash together some ripe avocado, season with salt and pepper, and spread over toast.
5. Hummus and veggie sticks – make hummus from scratch or buy pre-made and enjoy with sliced bell peppers, carrots, cucumbers, or other raw veggies.
6. Apple slices with almond butter – spread almond butter on apple slices for a quick, nutritious snack.
7. Almond butter and banana on whole-grain toast – top whole-grain toast with almond butter and sliced banana for a protein, fiber, and complex-carb snack.
8. PB&J energy bites – mix together nut butter, rolled oats, flaxseed, and freeze dried strawberries for an easy and nutritious snack.
9. Roasted chickpeas – toss chickpeas with olive oil, seasonings, and roast in the oven for a crunchy, savory snack.
10. Tuna and crackers – top whole-grain crackers with tuna and some diced celery or bell peppers.
