Healthy Eating on a Budget
Last week, I wrote about how a lack of time can be an obstacle to healthy eating. Today I want to touch on the 2nd obstacle to healthy eating which is money.
You can definitely spend a lot of money on trendy smoothies and superfood items but eating healthy doesn’t have to be costly if you make some smart choices when shopping.
Compare your options. Don’t buy the first item you see. Check out prices and sizes to see which is a better price per unit. Also, you don’t need to shop at speciality health food stores. Most grocery stores carry healthy plant-based options and the selection is growing quickly.
Plan your meals before you shop. Last week I wrote about saving time by meal planning. This can also help you know exactly what food you need for the week and then you aren’t over purchasing (which can lead to waste) or impulse buying.
Pay attention to what’s in season. In season fruits and vegetables are likely less expensive and if you buy local produce you are also supporting the famers and shops in your area.
Buy frozen. Buying frozen produce can save time and money. It’s already washed and pre-cut and less expensive than fresh options.
Buy in bulk. If you have the space, buying trays of canned chickpeas and beans from wholesale stores like Costco can save you time and money.
Buy plant-based protein. Meat and fish are much more expensive than plant-based protein sources such as beans and lentils.
Do you have a tip for healthy eating on a budget? Let me know in the comments below!
