If you’re like most people, you want to eat healthier but worry that it’s too expensive. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be. You can make small changes in the way you eat to improve your health without breaking the bank.
In this blog post, IVA Plan breakdown 8 simple ways can eat healthily without breaking the bank. Through helping hundreds get their finances back on track, IVA Plan are experts in providing information on everything from how does an IVA work to council tax and mortgages.
Check out the below tips to eat healthy on a tight budget
- Plan your meals in advance.
Meal planning is a great way to save money and eat healthy. When you know what you’re going to eat for the week, you can make a grocery list that focuses on healthy, budget-friendly items. This can help you stick to your budget and avoid buying things you don’t need. Meal planning can also help you avoid last-minute impulse purchases or eating out. And if you plan ahead, you can even batch cook meals or prep ingredients so that cooking is quicker and easier during the week.
- Stick to whole foods.
Whole foods are typically less processed and more nutritious than their packaged counterparts. They’re also often cheaper. When you’re on a budget, focus on filling your grocery cart with items like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. You can also save money by buying in bulk or cooking at home from scratch.
- Use coupons and sale ads.
Couponing can help you save money on groceries, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. There are a few different ways to find coupons, like looking in the Sunday paper or online. You can also sign up for your favorite stores’ email lists to receive coupons and notifications about sales. When you use coupons, be sure to pair them with sale items to get the best deal.
- Grow your own food.
If you have a yard or even just a windowsill, you can grow your own food. This can be a great way to save money, eat healthy, and get outside. Herbs, leafy greens, and tomatoes are all relatively easy to grow indoors or out. If you don’t have a green thumb, you can also try joining a community garden.
- Shop at farmers markets.
Farmers markets are a great place to find fresh, local, and often less expensive produce. You can also find other items like honey, eggs, and baked goods. And since you’re buying directly from the farmer, you can ask questions about how the food was grown or raised. This is a great way to get to know your food and where it comes from.
- Buy in season.
Produce is typically cheaper when it’s in season. This is because it’s more readily available and doesn’t have to be shipped from far away. You can find out what produce is in season by checking your local farmers market or doing a quick Google search. When fruits and vegetables are in season, they’ll be at their peak flavor and you’ll be able to get them at a lower price.
- Buy frozen fruit and veg .
Frozen fruits and vegetables are a great way to eat healthy on a budget. They’re typically less expensive than fresh produce, and they can last for months in your freezer. Plus, they’re often just as nutritious as fresh fruits and vegetables. Frozen produce is also convenient because it’s already pre-washed and cut, so you can just pop it in the oven or microwave and have a healthy meal in minutes.
- Compare prices at different stores.
Not all grocery stores are created equal. Some stores specialize in organic or natural foods, while others focus on low prices. When you’re on a budget, it’s important to compare prices at different stores to find the best deals. You may even want to consider shopping at multiple stores to get the best prices on all the items you need.
In conclusion, eating healthy on a budget is possible with a little planning and effort. By following these tips, you can save money and still eat nutritious, whole foods. Do you have any other tips for eating healthy on a budget?