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When you are on a tight budget, it can be a challenge to grocery shop and meal plan. Additionally, when you are dedicated to eating a healthy diet and are on a tight budget, it is even harder. Although we have talked about these topics previously, you guys continue to respond with many excellent suggestions and tips. Here are 10 tips from our readers to make healthy eating on a budget easy!
1. Buy fresh produce when it is in season and freeze what you do not use.
It is great to use fresh produce, but it can increase your grocery bill quickly. Buy what is currently in season and stock up when fresh produce is on sale.
2. Plan your meals around sales.
Be sure to sign up for any savings cards offered by your local grocery store. Check the circulars each week to determine what is on sale. Instead of making a weekly meal plan and shopping around your plan, do the opposite. Make your meal plans based on what is on sale each week.
3. Use inexpensive cuts of meat.
You can continue to enjoy meat, even with a tight budget. However, you should incorporate inexpensive cuts of meat. Some examples include using dark meat chicken instead of white meat. Using alternative cooking methods, such as a slow cooker or braising, can help make tougher meat tender.
4. Include beans and whole grains.
Whole grains and beans, such as freekeh, quinoa, and brown rice, are inexpensive and a delicious way to increase volume in your meals. They can even be a meal on their own.
5. Plan your meals and prepare ahead.
Whether you need to prepare vegetables for the week or tomorrow’s breakfast, lunch, and dinner, preparing your food ahead can make it easier to eat healthy. It is also a way to reduce waste and ensure you are eating what you already have on hand.
6. Expand your horizon!
Incorporate more cuisines that use inexpensive ingredients, such as Indian and Mexican foods. Many of these cultures use rice and beans in dishes.
7. Keep your pantry and fridge organized.
Leftovers are a good way to prevent food from going to waste and they often taste better the next day. However, it is counterproductive if they become lost in the fridge and go bad. Organize your fridge to minimize waste. Also, label leftovers so you know how long you have to consume them.
8. Give leftovers a new life.
Eating the same meal multiple times becomes boring. Find creative ways to repurpose leftovers so they seem like a completely new meal.
9. Visit the farmers market late in the day.
Depending on your location, your farmers market can be more or less expensive during regular hours. Try visiting right before closing, when you are more likely to find good deals.
10. Explore ethnic markets.
Visit any local ethnic markets in your area. You can usually find a good deal on various items, but you will also find new ingredients that can inspire your next meal.
So this is it, my top tips on how to eat healthy on a budget, being healthy is very important, but you can eat healthily and still enjoy food. There are many other ways to stay healthy too, including coupon and UK freebie websites which offer free food and drink.
* This is a collaborative post *
I eat quite a lot of vegetarian food. I am a meat eater but vegetarian food is healthy and happens to be cheap too. There are fantastic meals where you don’t even miss the meat and it can really help save cash (and it’s better for the environment too!)