Healthy Eating On A Budget - Tips To Make It Easier

In these difficult economic times, healthy eating on a budget is becoming a factor for many people. If expense is the main thing stopping you from serving healthy food, the following tips should provide you with some help for eating healthy on a budget.

Forget the Junk Food

Children (and often spouses) are often the ones to blame for all the junk food you come home from the grocery store with. Going shopping by yourself is the best and easiest way to ensure that you only buy what you need.

Plan Your Meals Ahead and Prepare a Shopping List

The more times you have to go to the store, the more likely you are to spend money on treats. At some time during the week, plan your meals for the next week. Before going to the store, have a look online for some cheap and healthy recipes. Write a shopping list and only buy the things on your list. If you can stick to your list, this is one sure-fire way to start your healthy eating plan and avoid over-spending on impulse buys.

Dilute the Juice

Water is essential for both children and adults and should be encouraged as a thirst quencher in every household. The body requires it on a daily basis and it provides the hydration needed to ensure that the entire body functions efficiently. If there are other drinks that your family enjoys such as fruit juices, buy them in the smallest size and save them for special occasions.

No Such Thing as Too Much Fruit or Vegetables

While certain fruits and vegetables are only available at specific times during the year, people often forget that they can be frozen. Buying your favorite fresh produce in large quantities is more economical and they can be frozen to use anytime you like. Splitting the cost with a friend and bulk buying is another way to get better prices. Make sure to thoroughly wash the fruit and vegetables and completely dry it before placing it in zipper bags to freeze.

Various Sources of Protein

Unfortunately, meats with an excess of fat are much cheaper than lean meat which means that people often opt for high fat meat. Beans are a great alternative source of protein available and are well priced compared to meat.

Beans can frequently be used as a substitute for meat. Beans come in a vast array of varieties and can be prepared in a crock pot so they are ready when you arrive home. The best way to prepare beans is to thoroughly wash them, completely cover them in water before bringing to a boil and then drain and refill the water.

Fish is also an excellent source of protein, and if you live near the coast the price is usually cheaper too. Making fish an integral part of your diet is not only healthy but budget friendly as well.

Double Up and Freeze

If you are cooking a healthy soup or stew, then make double the portion and freeze half. This saves money and time. Use the less expensive cuts of meat for these dishes and then put in more vegetables to make the meal go further.

Eating healthy on a budget does not have to be difficult. Knowing which foods are healthy, filling, and budget-friendly is the majority of the battle. The healthy lifestyle you have always imagined for you and your family is possible even on the tightest of budgets. Remember that a healthy diet will keep your medical costs down in the long run. Even though it requires a little organisation and creativity, eating healthy on a budget can be achieved.