Eating healthier doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are 7 tips on eating healthy and staying on a budget.
1. Meal Planning
Plan meals for the week ahead and make a grocery list. Knowing which meals to cook the night before and stocking the right ingredients beforehand can help you stay on a budget and provide the means to cook healthier meals.
2. Compare Prices
Do some price comparisons and shop around before buying groceries. Compare prices between stores and choose products that have the best value for you.
3. Grow Your Own
Grow your own produce at home. Planting your own vegetables and fruits can help save money and provide healthy food for your meals.
4. Don’t Shop Hungry
Always shop for groceries when you are not hungry. Don’t buy anything extra that you don’t need and stick to your list of items.
5. Buy in Bulk
Look for items that are on sale in bulk and stock up as long as they are still in-date. Buying in bulk is one of the best ways to eat healthy without breaking the bank.
6. Buy Frozen Foods
Frozen fruits and vegetables are often cheaper than buying them fresh, and they last a lot longer too.
7. Eat Less Red Meat
Limiting your consumption of red meat can help reduce your grocery budget. Choose healthier and cheaper alternatives such as fish, eggs, vegetables, beans and tofu to incorporate into your meals.
Following these simple tips can help you improve your health and stay on a budget. Eating healthy and staying on a budget doesn’t have to be hard. With a bit of creativity and a little planning, you can create nutritious meals without overspending.
What are some healthy and budget-friendly snacks for eating on a budget?
1. Air-popped popcorn
2. Greek yogurt with mixed berries
3. Hard-boiled eggs
4. Hummus and veggies
5. Trail mix with nuts, seeds and dried fruit
6. Roasted chickpeas
7. Apple slices with peanut butter
8. Nut butter sandwiches on whole grain bread
9. Overnight oats
10. Celery and nut butter
What healthy and budget-friendly snacks can I make at home?
1. Trail mix – Combine oats, nuts, dried fruit, and a few dark chocolate chips for a nutritious snack with a powerful punch of protein and carbohydrates.
2. Hard-Boiled Eggs – Boil up a dozen eggs over the weekend, and you’ll have a quick and economical snack for the week.
3. Greek Yogurt – High in protein and probiotics, Greek yogurt is a filling snack that’s packed with flavor. Top it with your favorite fruits or nuts for an extra crunch.
4. Popcorn – Feel like munching? Make your own popcorn on the stove with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkling of your favorite seasonings.
5. Veggies and Hummus – Snacktime isn’t complete without a dip. Make your own hummus at home or opt for a store-bought variety that’s packed with nutrition. Serve it with sliced veggies or whole-grain crackers.
6. Cottage cheese – Not the fan of yogurt? Opt for a serving of low-fat cottage cheese. It’s packed with protein, and tastes great with a few of your favorite nuts or dried fruits sprinkled on top.
7. Fruit salad – On a hot summer day, nothing hits the spot like a cool fruit salad. Head to the grocery store, grab your favorite in-season fruits, and mix them up with a sprinkle of your favorite nuts or a drizzle of honey.
8. Granola bars – When you’re on the go, reach for one of these homemade energy bars. Mix oats, nuts, dried fruit, and a bit of honey, and press them into a pan before baking. Then let them cool, cut into bars and wrap them up for easy snacking.
9. Smoothie – In the morning or after your workout, blend up a smoothie with your favorite fruits and vegetables. Try adding a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a scoop of protein powder for an extra boost of nutrition.
What are some healthy snacks to make for kids?
1. Trail mix: mix up your favorite nuts (almonds, peanuts, walnuts, etc.) with seeds (pumpkin, sunflower) and dried fruits (raisins, sultanas, cranberries, etc.)
2. Fruit kabobs: skewer pieces of cantaloupe, strawberries, pineapple, and other fresh fruit on sticks
3. Homemade granola bars
4. Frozen yogurt bites: blend yogurt with honey and frozen fruit cubes, then freeze
5. Popcorn: make your own by popping kernels in a pot on the stovetop with a little oil
6. Veggie sticks and dip: cut up crunchy vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers, and serve them with ranch dip or hummus
7. Roasted chickpeas: toss cooked chickpeas with a little olive oil, then bake in the oven
8. Roasted edamame: lightly salt shelled edamame beans, then roast in a hot oven for a crunchy snack
9. Fruit smoothies: blend up yogurt and your favorite fruits like banana or berries for a healthy boost
10. Healthy energy balls: mix together oats, almond butter, and honey, then form into balls and refrigerate For a healthy snack on the go.
What are some easy healthy snacks for kids?
1. Fresh fruit with yogurt dip
2. Trail mix with nuts, dried fruits, and whole grain cereal
3. Popcorn with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese
4. Ants on a log – celery sticks with peanut butter and raisins
5. Whole grain crackers with hummus or cheese
6. Apple slices with peanut butter
7. Edamame
8. Smoothies
9. Hard-boiled eggs
10. Celery with cream cheese and raisins
