11 Tips for eating healthy on a budget

11 Tips For Eating Healthy On A Budget

Yes, eating healthy can cost you more up front, but there are tips and tricks to ensure you STICK to your healthy food budget.

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1. Start with a plan

I spend considerably less money when I shop with a grocery list. When I just try to wing it, my grocery bill is higher, and I buy unnecessary items. Chances are also higher that I’ll need to make multiple trips to the grocery store that week, thus spending even more money

2. Buy frozen produce

Often times fresh foods in the produce section aren’t actually as fresh as frozen produce. That’s because most frozen foods are frozen at the peak of ripeness, thereby preserving the food when it’s packed with the most nutrients. Fresh produce is usually harvested before it’s 100% ripe, and then spend a few days in the shipping process before they get to your grocery store and into your kitchen.

3. Eat less meat

Meat is one of the most expensive grocery items we buy. It’s expensive because you’re not just paying for the animal, but everything that goes into raising the animal, including the food used to grow it. It’s a lot more energy, time, and resource-intensive to raise meat than most grains and produce. Try switching to plant-based sources of protein like lentils, beans, quinoa, and tofu a few times a week to cut down your grocery bill extensively.

4. Buy produce in season

When you do buy fresh produce, make sure it’s in season. Prices drop on produce when it’s in season. Shop at your local Farmer’s Market- you can get great bundle deals. *Bonus!* In season produce tastes better too!

5. Replace one meal a day with Shakeology

One glass of shakeology contains the health benefits of 7 salads all combines in one glass! It’s more than just a protein drink, it’s a Super Ninja drink! It has ingredients such as: protein and amino acids, antioxidants, super foods, phytonutrients (which are green super foods), prebiotics, digestive enzymes, pomegranate, grape seed extract, green tea, goji berries, acai and SO MUCH MORE!!! To learn more about shakeology or to order a 30 day supply, click here.

6. Cook larger portions and freeze

This tip saves time and money. Cook large batches of your favorite freezable meals like soups, pasta sauces, and other one-dish dinners. *Bonus!* Click here for meals you can prep ahead of time.

7. Keep an organized pantry and refrigerator

Organize, clean out, and take inventory of your pantry and refrigerator on a regular basis. This helps you reduce food waste and remember what you already have on hand. Before you make a weekly menu and grocery list, “shop your kitchen” first, and try to create recipes that build on what you already have in stock. When our fridge looks empty we assume we have to go grocery shopping, until we look in the freezer to find frozen fruits, veggies and meat which in all reality will get us through another week of food prep.

8. Brown Bag it

Make your meals ahead of time for the week, or even month, and pack a lunch with the food prep the night before for the entire next day. This way it will save you from having the urge to eat out at restaurants. It helps save time and money.*Bonus* I always make sure to have Peanuts, shakeology, tuna packets and almond butter, and rice cakes in the glove box of my car. This stash has helped me so many times when I’ve been caught in traffic due to a snowstorm, or having to run errands that are taking longer than expected.

9. Stick with simple recipes

Check out my Personal Facebook page here and my Business page here for great recipes that don’t require a ton of ingredients, which will help keep your bill down.

10. Skip the beverages

This tip is equally for your health as it is for your budget. Beverages like juice, soda, beer, and wine should be considered treats and not staples. 
I know its hard to turn down friends sometimes when they invite out for a coffee or drink, so why not suggest they to your house and whip them up something fancy instead like a salted caramel latte, Strawberry Crème Frappuccino (click here for recipe), or Rum & Zevia.  *Bonus!* Your body and fitness goals will love the socks off of you.

11. Save some money while eating out

Sometimes there is no avoiding eating out. To save on your bill, eat the bread appetizer that comes before the meal. Decide if you would prefer a drink or a dessert at the end (a drink can most certainly serve as a pre-dinner dessert). Your body and pocket book will thank you!

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