Sixty-one percent of Americans live paycheck-to-paycheck.
That’s why healthy eating on a budget is so important. For many families, food is the largest expense they have each month and one they can’t do without.
But eating healthy doesn’t have to be expensive. There are many ways you can eat well without breaking the bank.
If you are looking for simple tips to eat healthy meals on a budget, this short and simple guide is for you.
1. Plan Meals in Advance
When you know what you are going to eat, it’s easier to stick with a budget.
Make a list of your favorite meals and ingredients, and make sure you have all the ingredients on hand. Also, try to choose dishes that use items you currently have in your pantry or refrigerator.
Another way to plan your meals is to use a food delivery service like wholeharvest.com.
2. Cook Meals From Scratch
Most of the time, it’s cheaper to buy whole foods than pre-made meals or processed foods. Cooking from scratch is also healthier and often more flavorful.
If you have time to cook, try making a week’s worth of meals at once on Sunday night. That way, you’ll have healthy lunches ready for the entire week.
3. Look for Generic or Store-Brand Options
Look for generic or store-brand versions of your favorite products. These often have the same ingredients as name brands at a much lower price.
Try to find store brands that are on sale, as well. Some stores offer coupons for their store-brand products, so be sure to ask.
4. Use Herbs and Spices to Flavor Food
Herbs and spices can make cheap food taste great.
Try using herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme to add flavor to pasta dishes, soups, or salads. Use garlic powder or fresh garlic in sauces for chicken or beef dishes.
Experiment with different herbs and spices to find a combination that you like.
5. Take Advantage of Sales
If you are running low on a product, don’t buy more right away.
Instead, check the store’s weekly ad or website to see if there is a sale on that item. Many stores offer discounts on name brands when they are close to their expiration date.
You can also use coupons to save money on groceries. Look for coupons in the Sunday paper or at coupon websites like Coupons.com and Smartsource.com.
Healthy Eating on a Budget: Be a Savvy and Frugal Shopper
It’s easy to spend a lot of money on groceries. You may think that you have no control over what you spend, but there are many ways of healthy eating on a budget.
It just takes a little planning and effort. If you follow these simple tips, it will help you eat healthy while saving money.
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