Eating healthy can be expensive – but it doesn’t have to be!
With a few simple hacks, you can eat healthier without breaking the bank. Here are 25 tips for eating healthy on a budget:
1. Shop in season - Eating produce that is in season is cheaper than buying out of season fruits and vegetables.
2. Buy frozen - Frozen fruits and veggies are as nutritious as their fresh counterparts, and they last longer too!
3. Stick to staples - Items like rice, beans, oats, potatoes, etc., are inexpensive yet high in nutrition. Stock up on these staples to stretch your grocery budget further.
4. Use vouchers, or club card points - vouchers may not seem like much savings at first glance but they do add up over time. Remember to take them when you’re doing your weekly shop!
5. Plan meals ahead of time - This will help you avoid impulse purchases. You'll save money by only buying what you need for the week or month ahead of time instead of shopping every day or two
6. Stock up during sales- Keep an eye out for items that go on sale so you can buy them in bulk while they’re discounted. This way you won't run out before the next sale comes around again!
7. Bulk cook/freeze leftovers – Preparing large batches of food saves both money and time, all those ingredients add up. Also freezing leftovers keeps them from going bad, this helps with saving money long term
8. Grow your own herbs – Herbs can get pricey at the store but growing your own takes minimal effort and costs nothing beyond the initial investment for soil & pots (which also lasts forever!). Plus homegrown herbs taste even better than store bought varieties !
9. Go to your local butchers - Butchers tend to have a lot of leftovers, especially carcasses and organ meat. These are great, nutrient dense ingredients you can turn into broths, soups and stews
10. Make use of leftovers– Don't let leftover food go to waste. Get creative with them and make something new such as soups , salads , casseroles , sandwiches etc..
11. Swap processed foods for whole foods – Processed foods tend to cost more than their whole food alternatives. Replace crisps with popcorn, canned soup with homemade soup , etc.
12. Buy store brands– Store brands often have the same nutritional value (or better) as name brand items at a fraction of the cost
13. Meal prep - Organising your week can save both money and time
14. Eat foods higher in fibre and protein - These foods have more nutrients in them. Meaning it will keep you fuller for longer, unlike ultra processed food that keeps hungry
15. Use spices - Spices add flavour without adding calories or fat. This helps keep food costs down while still making dishes tasty
16. Buy unpackaged produce & un-chopped fruit and veg - Though pre-chopped/diced may be convenient, you are often paying up to 40% more
17. Check the reduced section - you can find untold treasures hidden within the reduced section
18. Avoid convenience foods – Pre-made/pre-packaged snacks (granola bars) tend to cost more than their DIY counterparts (trail mix). So make sure you’re aware of how much extra money these “convenience” items are costing you!
19. Shop around - Supermarkets don't have any loyalty to you, so don't feel obliged to stick to one
20. Make healthy swaps - Swapping out unhealthy ingredients (white bread) for healthier alternatives (whole wheat bread) may seem small but it adds up over time when trying to eat healthier on a budget.
21. Learn basic cooking skills – Knowing how to cook simple dishes yourself will save both time & money. Compared to relying on processed food products; plus it tastes better too !
22. Cook with frozen veggies– Frozen veggies are as nutritious as fresh ones but they last longer. This means less wasted food & fewer trips back out into the store later on!
23. Invest in kitchen appliances – Having certain kitchen appliances such as slow cookers or pressure cookers makes meal prepping easier & faster which saves both time & money long term
24. Take advantage of sales– Keep an eye out for special sales at your local grocery store, such as “buy one get one free” offers or discounted items that have been marked down for quick sale
25. Make the most of what you already have – Before heading out to the store, take a look in your pantry & fridge and see what ingredients you can use up before buying more.
This will help reduce food waste & save money in the long run! Eating healthy on a budget doesn't have to be difficult. Use these 25 hacks and make it easier than ever before!