It’s no secret that eating healthy can be expensive. However, it doesn’t have to be as difficult, or expensive, as one might think. With some careful planning and savvy shopping, you can eat right on a budget.
Plan, Plan, Plan
Learning to eat healthy on a budget starts with some forward planning. Make sure to plan all of your meals out in advance and create a shopping list based on what you’ll be eating. This way you’ll know exactly what ingredients you need, and how much of them, and will avoid overbuying.
Shop Smart
Once you have your list in order, it’s time to hit the supermarket. When shopping, keep an eye out for specials, in-season produce, and frozen vegetables and fruits. Not only are these typically less expensive than their fresh counterparts, but they offer up an excellent way to stock your freezer with all-season produce.
Another way to save money on groceries is to avoid the pre-prepared convenience foods. These are often loaded with excess fat, sodium, and added sugars, and can cost much more than a comparable home-prepared meal.
Look for Deals and Coupons
Coupons and weekly deals can often be found in newspapers, email newsletters, and supermarket websites. Taking advantage of these specials will help you save a bundle by reducing the cost of certain items.
It is also worth checking your local market and farmers market for weekly specials. These outdoor markets offer great prices on fresh produce and many other items, and are often less expensive than shopping at a traditional grocery store.
Preparing the Food
Preparing the food you buy is a key component of eating healthy on a budget. Investing in the right equipment and items can make it much easier:
- A well-stocked pantry – Make sure it includes staples like beans, lentils, rice, and pasta.
- Herbs and spices – Buying in bulk can be much more cost effective than pre-packaged herbs and spices.
- Non-stick pots and pans – Investing in some good quality non-stick pans will mean you can drastically reduce your oil usage during cooking.
- Slow cooker – A slow cooker is an excellent way to prepare a healthy meal without spending hours over the stove.
- A strong blender or food processor – This will make it much easier to prepare healthy, nutrient rich meals.
Eating healthy on a budget may take a bit of effort at first, but with careful planning and smart shopping, you will be well on your way to making healthy eat a regular part of your life.
What are some healthy and affordable meal ideas?
1. Vegetable Stir Fry – sautéed vegetables with garlic, ginger, and a little soy sauce.
2. Lentil Tacos – lentils, peppers, and onions cooked with cumin and chili powder and served on a whole wheat tortilla.
3. Quinoa Bowl – cooked quinoa, cooked vegetables, and a splash of olive oil as a dressing.
4. Roasted Vegetables – roasted broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts sprinkled with herbs and served with a simple tahini or balsamic dressing.
5. Egg Scramble – scrambled eggs with onions and peppers, served with toast and a side of fruit.
6. Bean Burrito – a whole wheat tortilla filled with beans, salsa, and cooked vegetables.
7. Baked Sweet Potato Fries – sweet potatoes cut into wedges and baked with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
8. Whole Wheat Pasta with Veggies – whole wheat pasta served with cooked vegetables and tomatoes, tossed with a splash of olive oil.
9. Vegetable Soup – homemade vegetable soup with beans, carrots, tomatoes, and celery.
10. Quinoa Salad – cooked quinoa, spinach, tomatoes, and cucumbers tossed in a simple olive oil vinaigrette.
What are some simple healthy meal ideas?
1. Veggie Stir Fry: Sauté any combination of mushrooms, peppers, onions, carrots, and broccoli in olive oil with garlic, and serve over brown rice.
2. Black Bean Burrito Bowl: Mix brown rice with black beans, tomatoes, and avocado, and top with salsa and a dollop of plain Greek yogurt.
3. Salmon with Quinoa and Vegetables: Roast salmon with a mix of asparagus, bell peppers, and onions in your favorite sauce. Serve with quinoa on the side.
4. Baked Chicken Fajitas: Bake sliced chicken breast with bell peppers, onions, and garlic. Serve with warmed corn tortillas, lettuce, guacamole, and diced tomatoes.
5. Zucchini Pasta: Spiralize zucchini, and sauté it with garlic and olive oil. Mix in cooked chicken and your favorite pasta sauce, and top with grated parmesan.
6. Turkey Burgers with Sweet Potato Fries: Make a turkey burger patty with lean ground turkey and your favorite spices, and bake sweet potato fries in the oven.
7. Egg and Avocado Toast: mash up a ripe avocado and spread it on toasted whole grain bread. Top it with a soft-boiled egg and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
8. Turkey Wrap: fill a wrap with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, turkey, and hummus. Sprinkle with a dash of hot sauce.
9. Greek Salad: mix together chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta cheese, and red onion. Top with a simple olive oil and lemon dressing.
10. Smoothies: blend your favorite combination of fruits, yogurt, and nuts with ice and almond milk, and top with your favorite nuts or seeds.
