If you have ever experienced gasping at your bill while at the supermarket checkout, you are certainly not alone. Eating healthy can be expensive, and fruits, vegetables, and lean meats typically come with a higher price tag than processed and instant food items.

The good news is you don’t have to compromise between eating healthy and saving. You can still eat a variety of nutrient-dense meals without breaking the bank with proper planning and preparation.

Here are our tips to help you get started.

 

1. Plan out your meals for the week.

 

Everyone needs a game plan when it comes to saving money in the grocery store.

Choose a day each week and set your meal plan for the following week. After that, make a list of all the ingredients you’ll need at the store to make those meals.

Be sure to check your cabinets and fridge to see what food items are still in stock. Foods that can be utilised might be stashed away in the back, or you might wish to organise your meals around ingredients that must be consumed soon before their expiration.

Spend your money only on items you know you’ll need based on your meal plan. This way, you won’t have to toss away as much of the stuff you buy but don’t use anyway.

 

2. Take advantage of non-perishable, healthy staples.

 

Using foods that last longer is one of the best ways to keep a healthy diet on a tight budget. Perishable foods, such as meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products, spoil more quickly and are harder to reuse.

Stock your refrigerator with foods that will stay fresh long enough to be utilised in several meals a week, like eggs, canned tuna, and beans.

Read here to learn more about non-perishable food items you should stockpile in your kitchen.

 

3. Replace meat with plant-based protein.

 

Typically, we turn to meat when we need protein on our plates. But there are plenty of less expensive ways to get the protein we need.

Plant-based foods like beans and legumes are both cost-effective and nutritious alternatives to meat. They are typically less expensive and are packed with healthy calories.

 

4. Stick with seasonal foods.

 

Take advantage of seasonal foods. Strawberries and blueberries, for instance, typically cost higher during the winter. Keep in mind the season and fill your cart with fruits and vegetables. Seasonal produce not only costs less but also lasts longer.

 

5. Never shop when you’re hungry.

 

When you shop on an empty stomach, you’re more likely to deviate from your list and make a spur-of-the-moment purchase of expensive and unhealthy food items.

When one is extremely hungry, they may seek more calorie-dense items like processed or fried foods. These foods are not only unhealthy for you, but they are not good for your budget either.

 

6. Buy whole foods.

 

Whole foods are sometimes more reasonably priced than their processed counterparts. For instance, a block of cheese costs less than shredded cheese, canned beans are more affordable than refried ones, and whole grains are cheaper than most processed cereals.

You can save money overall by purchasing less processed goods, which are frequently sold in larger amounts and produce more servings per package.

 

7. Grow them on your own.

 

If you have the time, growing produce on your own can make all the difference both in your diet and your bank. Plus, gardening is a great hobby if you are looking to be productive and active in your leisure.

Purchasing seeds is fairly affordable. You might be able to grow your fresh herbs, sprouts, tomatoes, onions, and a variety of other scrumptious crops with a bit of time and work.

You can spend less money at the supermarket if you always have a continuous supply right in your backyard.

 

 

You don’t always have to stretch your budget far enough to eat healthy daily. You can save money by simply planning your meals and making the right choices in the grocery.

Plan your meals with us and get in touch for a no-obligation sample of our mouthwatering meal created, prepped, and cooked by professionals.