Most people wish they could eat healthy but decide to settle for those available food because of lack of funds. People that feel that way are not to be blamed because expensive powders and super foods are rampant in our society today. Such expensive foods have been tagged healthier, but that is not the case.
Healthy eating can be achieved on a low budget if the following tips are adhered to and implored.
- Plan Your Meals and Stick to It
Planning is essential for saving money when it comes to shopping. Plan your meals for the upcoming week a week in advance. Try to purchase only what is essential for you to use, so as to avoid buying unnecessary things. There are also many great grocery list apps that you can use to ensure that you buy the appropriate items. It is very easy to get side tracked at a grocery store, so try to remain focused and stick to the list.
- Don’t Shop When You Are Hungry
When you go shopping in a hungry state, you end up deviating from your shopping list, because there is higher tendency of buying something on impulse. Hunger cravings are generally foods that are not good for you or foods that are not in your food budget. If you are hungry prior to a market escapade, try to eat a healthy snack, yoghurt or fruit before leaving the house.
- Replace Meat with Other protein
Meats are generally the costliest source of protein. It is possible to get all your protein body needs without including meat in the diet plan. Plan yourself to have some days in a week when meat is replaced by other protein sources like legumes, eggs or canned fish. All these other protein sources are not as expensive as meat and most of them have longer shelf life and are less susceptible to spoilage than meats.
- Learn To Eat Home Cooked Foods.
Cooking at home is generally cheaper than eating out. It will be helpful to know that the amount you spend for 2 people when eating out can prepare a home cooked food for 4 people. By cooking yourself, you also have the knowledge of what exactly is in your food. Make it a habit to cook at home rather than eating out.
- Buy Whole Foods.
Generally, foods are cheaper in less processed form. It is advisable to go for such foods that have not been processed. Whole foods are both healthier and cheaper because some processing procedures tend to reduce the nutritional content of foods. Whole grains are also cheaper than processed cereals. Also less processed foods are sold in larger quantities and yield more serving per package.
- Cook Large Portions and Use Leftovers.
When you cook in large portion, it saves time and money. Time spent on cooking small quantities multiple times can be channeled to strategizing a healthy meal plan. Eating leftovers can open you to a range of food choices and give you more value for your money. Leftovers like stews and salads can be combined with fresh foods to produce a totally different meal.
- Stop Buying Junk Foods.
Different studies have shown that junk foods reduce our body’s immuno stability and expose us to more diseases and illnesses. If you want to stay healthy, the right choice is to judiciously avoid junk foods. They generally offer little nutrition and are packed with unhealthy ingredients. Junk foods are always more expensive, saving the money from junk foods can provide you with more money to spend on higher quality and healthy foods.
- Shop For Produce That Is In Season.
When a local food produce is in season, it is always cheaper and the nutrients and flavour of such food produce are always at their peak. Buying the seasonal foods in large quantities is also advised. The excess foods can be stored for subsequent use. A food produce that is not in season must have undergone several storage and transportation processes, making it less healthy and not environmentally friendly.
- Grow Your Own Produce.
Growing your own food is indeed a great idea. It gives you constant access to the food. Seeds are very cheap to buy and with appropriate time and effort, you will be able to grow a variety of food crops like tomato, herbs, onions, fruits and vegetables. Having a continuous supply at home saves you money. Also home grown produce may taste a lot better and the health benefit is guaranteed.
- Appreciate Less Expensive Foods.
Many foods available in the market are both inexpensive and healthy. You need to eradicate the mindset that more expensive foods provide more health opportunities. Using cheap foods like eggs, beans, frozen fruits and vegetables, whole grain and cheaper meat cuts, will give you every health benefit you need.
