Eating Healthy on a Budget- Make it Happen!

Healthy eating often seems out of reach for the person who is watching their nickels and dimes. It does not have to be an impossible feat if you take the time to do some planning and if you know where to shop and are willing to put in the prep time in your kitchen. 

Here are some ways that you can eat healthy on a budget and maybe even have fun doing it! 

Shop at Farmers’ Markets

If you are used to shopping at the grocery store for your food and nowhere else then start scouting out the farmers’ markets in your area. If it is healthy food that you want then the local farmers’ market comes out miles ahead as one of the best places to do your shopping. Compare prices at the market with the prices at the local supermarket. Load up on fresh fruits and vegetables. Depending on what you buy and how much you buy you could save yourself more than a few dollars as compared to visiting the grocery store. Freeze what you do not plan to eat right away. 

Shop Seasonal 

The cheapest fruits and vegetables at the local market in your city or town are those that are in season. Know what is in season and plan your meals around those selections. Make sure that you sort through the produce to find the best of the bunch. This is true regardless of whether you are talking about apples, avocados, tomatoes or zucchini. Stock up based on the most cost savvy deals for the week. This will ensure that less money leaves your wallet during your shopping trip!  

Stick with Basics

Don’t be seduced by all of the items that you have never tried before and would like to try. Maybe you have never sampled eggplant or dragon fruit but if you are watching your money then sticking with the basics is always best. Make sure when it comes to produce that you have enough to put together a nutritious meal. Examples of foods that you may wish to pick up ahead of others include onions, potatoes, lettuce, broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, some greens and one or two fruit varieties that are currently in season. Limit your choice of “new” items if they do not fit easily into your prearranged meal options.   

  

Shop Bargains and Sales

Meat and fish are often the most expensive items on a grocery list. Regardless of where you purchase these food items from search out the bargains. Only buy certain types of meat or seafood when there is a sale going on. Come up with a plan of action for the meals to come in the days and weeks ahead and then purchase the sale items accordingly. Freeze the meat and seafood that is not to be eaten right away. 

Scope out the Deals for Staples- or Buy in Bulk

Some food items are staples and can be purchased at a variety of stores. These include dry goods such as cereal, butter, pasta, rice, etc. Find out at which store the best buys can be found. Look for bargains by way of weekly store flyers. If making it to the cheapest store is not an option for you because of distance or transportation issues then buy dry goods and other staples in bulk and buy as much as you can at once. This can turn out to be more economical for you in the long run and it also will cut down on your shopping time because you won’t have to go out as often to buy the things you need.  

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