Eat Healthy on a Budget

Eating fresh, healthy, organic, local foods sounds great, but many of us are on a budget. Sure we'd love to shop at Whole Foods, but in reality we have to shop at our local Safeway, FoodMax or Walmart.
Luckily there are plenty of ways to still eat healthy and save money in the process.

1. Visit your local farmers market.

Believe it or not shopping at your local farmers market is cheaper than the grocery store. Even the organic stuff!! So head outside to soak up some sunshine with your family and neighbors and support your local farmers!

   2. Try some non meat protein.

Beans are an awesome source of fiber and protein and can be found in recipes around the globe. But buying them in a can is not only more expensive but they may be full of other ingredients and packed with sodium.  Yes soaking and cooking your own beans is a little more time consuming than breaking out your can opener but just make it part of your meal planning and prep ahead. Its very easy to throw them in a pot of water and let them soak over night. The next day let them cook while you're getting your family ready for the day!

3.  Buy in bulk. 

Buying produce from Costco or Sams Club is a great option. The prices can't be beat and if you plan accordingly you can get by with a few staples. If you don't feel you can go through an entire 8 pound bag of oranges or 12 mangos in one week, chat with your friends. I bet many of them would be willing to take half of your purchase in exchange for splitting the cost!

 

4. Buy flash-frozen fruits, vegetables, and fish.

Processing food in any way takes away from its full nutritional value but, flash freezing is a great way to keep the vitamins and minerals when vegetables and seafood are at their freshest. Plus its so much more convenient to have a bag in your freezer at all times and not worry if its still good. Did you know that "fresh" seafood at your butchers counter is not always so fresh. Yup, sometimes it has been frozen before it gets to the store! Frozen seafood is hands down cheaper than the fresh variety but double check on the produce. Sometimes what's in season may be cheaper than the frozen bag.

5. Make a list and stick to it.

Don't give in to the cute little elves on the cookies box or Tony the Tiger on the Frosted Flakes! Take some time on Sunday morning to make a weekly meal plan for your family. From there create a list of items you need from the store and stick to your plan. The only time I like to break this rule is with produce. Sometimes when you're out at the local farmers market you might see some new foods or beautifully fresh fruit or veggies that you just have to have, but didn't plan on. That's ok...Pick a meal to add them to and enjoy!!

6. Cut your consumption.

Over the years our portion sizes have had some serious inflation! A single restaurant entree can almost feed a small family! When dining out ask for a box right off the bat and take half home or try sharing your meal with a friend. At home use smaller dinner plates. If you're TRULY hungry have more veggies but take a minute to enjoy your meal, your company and your conversation and let your brain process what you've just eaten to see if you really are still hungry.

7. Don't shop hungry!

How often do you run to the grocery store after work before picking up the kids, starving from a long day? Did you know people who shop hungry are more likely to buy food pack with salt, calories and high in fat! Keep a piece of fruit or a 100 calorie bag of almonds in your purse to to keep your hunger quiet while you fill your cart with clean, healthy eats!! This will also help you avoid racking up a high grocery bill when you stick to your list not to your stomach!

 I hope you found these tips helpful for eating healthy on a budget. If you'd like more support, motivation and recipes you can send me a friend request on Facebook and check out Healthy Girl Fitness for more great tips!