Making healthy food choices while stretching your dollar can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be daunting. What’s the best recipe for healthy eating on a budget? It’s one that benefits from some basics: start with a plan, choose wisely, toss in a dash of creativity, and stir.
Healthy Eating Menu
1. Make a grocery list
Have you ever shopped on the fly or wheeled a cart through the grocery store while absolutely ravenous? It’s all too easy to be tempted by enticing displays.
As a result, you can fill your basket with items that might have little nutritious value and quickly blow your budget. So make a list first, check it twice, and stick with it.
2. Know your prices
It pays to know where the bargains are. While store brands can be less expensive than national brands, watch for weekly flyers to comparison shop. Most grocery stores price match and that can save you money and time.
Another good bet is to get to know your local produce and meat managers and check with them about upcoming sales. For more deals, use online coupon sites like Coupons.com or apps like Reebee or Flipp (Canada).
3. Check the ‘reduced’ section
Often you’ll find stores have discounted fruit and vegetables, especially if they’re getting near their due date.
Prices are also often reduced at the start of the week or just before a new sales flyer comes out to help clear any remaining stock from the previous week. You could grab a bonanza of bananas or devour your weight in cauliflower for a modest sum!
4. Look at ‘best before’ dates
Dairy products, for example, are usually stocked on a store shelf with most recent best before dates in front. Those units with a longer life are positioned near the back.
If you’re curious about just how long products like dairy and drinks to fruit and veggies last, Eat by Date is an excellent source of information.
5. Buy in season
Fruit and vegetables are at their freshest and most plentiful when they’re in season. They’re usually less expensive then, too. You can save even more if you buy in bulk and freeze them for a year-round supply.
The growth of farmers’ markets in recent years has been a boon to grocery shoppers and farmers alike. Check out one nearest you.
6. Buy in bulk
Warehouse stores are a good place to ‘bulk up’ on food (and other products). The key is to stay focussed and only buy what you need or can share with family or friends. In addition, don’t forget to read the labels for unit price (cost divided by quantity or weight).
Use this handy unit price calculator if the information isn’t posted in the store. Here’s more great tips for buying in bulk.
5 amazing slow cooker recipes
7. Plan and prepare meals ahead
By planning ahead you can take advantage of grocery bargains when you spot them. You can really make your dollar stretch with leftovers from the recipes that you make ahead.
It’s important to develop a system that works for you, whether it’s preparing meals on the weekend for the week ahead or a ‘set and forget’ method using a slow cooker. Try these make-ahead meals for the family.
8. Eat less meat, more grains and beans
As the cost of meat continues to rise (at least in Canada), it makes sense to cut back (or substitute with cheaper cuts) and complement it with more grains and beans.
They’re a less expensive alternative that offer a good balance of protein and essential nutrients. Choose from this list of healthiest beans, grains, and legumes.
Bon Appetit!
Not only will you save money with this commonsense budget plan, you won’t have to sacrifice healthy eating habits.
You Might Also Like These
• Good and Cheap: Eat Well on $4 a Day
• 5 Apps That Will Help You Save Money on Groceries and More
• How to Create a Household Budget
• My Big List of Health and Wellness Resources
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