Healthy Eating on a Budget
Healthy Eating on a Budget

Eating healthy can be expensive, especially with the rising cost of food. With a few simple changes, you can find ways to reduce your expenses and still stay on track with your healthy eating goals.

1. Buy frozen. Frozen fruits and vegetables are just as nutritious as fresh and you can often find these items on sale.

2. Check the unit price. Often buying items in bulk is less expensive than one at a time. This isn’t always the case though, so take some time and do the math.

3. Eat before you shop. When we’re hungry and we shop, we tend to be impulsive. Instead, shop when you feel in control of your hunger and your emotions, this will make it easier to stick to your healthy eating plan.

4. Reduce food waste. Repurpose leftovers and keep a close eye on your fresh produce and meat in your fridge. Package these foods in air-tight containers and place in the freezer for another day. Be sure to label what you are freezing so you know what you have!

5. Avoid packaged convenience foods. You’ll always pay more for convenience. For example, wash and shred your own lettuce, chop your veggies, or grate your own cheese.

6. Check sales. Get in the habit of flipping through flyers. You’ll want to stock up on items when they’re on sale. However, beware of the foods in the flyer that you don’t need. Just because it’s on sale, doesn’t mean you need it. If you buy these items, you’ll actually spend more.

7. Create a healthy meal plan. Having a meal plan will reduce food waste and ensure you aren’t buying foods you don’t need. Be sure to incorporate foods you and your family enjoy.

8. Use your meal plan to create your shopping list. After you’ve planned what you’re going to eat, and you know what you currently have, create your shopping list. Plan to shop periodically to make sure you have time to eat the food you buy, but don’t run out either.