How To Eat Healthy On A Budget

Though many people today realize they need to improve their dietary habits, most do not know where to begin. Often, there is a mistaken notion that eating well must take a great deal of money. However, this is not the case. There are several things that you can begin doing today to increase the amount of healthy foods in your diet and make the appropriate financial adjustments necessary to your consumption habits. We’ll show you how to eat healthy on a budget:

1. Quit buying junk food!

It has no nutritional value and is often more expensive than people realize. By spending cash on goods that do not provide essential nutrients, the money is essentially being thrown away. Worse yet, some junk foods will actually make you feel hungrier, causing you to consume even greater quantities of empty calories.

2. Be Coupon Savvy

Clipping Coupons is really big and for some even a challenge. Why should you pay more when you can get a discount? Use online sites like Coupons.com or Amazon’s coupon page to save on groceries, beauty products and more!

3. Don’t Buy Drinks

Water is generally your best choice. It is free or inexpensive, and healthy. Avoid soft drinks and other beverages that will drain your wallet and provide you little nutrition in return. While an occasional soda is okay, the more you spend on it or other sugary beverages, the less you have for nutritious foods. Your waistline will thank you!

4.Buy in Bulk

Purchase in-season fruits in bulk quantities. For those that you can not consume in time, clean and remove the seeds. Divide into serving sizes and freeze for future use. You can even freeze compatible fruits for future smoothies together.

5. Eat Less Meat and Experiment with Meat Alternatives

To ensure you have enough protein, learn how to cook with beans and legumes. Far less expensive than meats, they are a nutrient rich food source that is also high in fiber. When you purchase meats, select lean and serve smaller portions.

Learn to substitute beans for meats, or use them in combinations. If you still desire meats in your meals, supplement your protein servings with beans. Gradually decrease the amount of meat and increase the beans.

6. Catch or Grow Your Own Foods.

Fishing your local rivers and lakes can provide you with fresh, free meat. In addition, growing even a small garden can supplement your produce. There are many methods that are even appropriate for small apartments.

7. Use Cheaper, but Healthier Sources Of Protein

Another fabulous protein source is nut butters. You can use them for sandwiches or with fruits and vegetables. Peanut butter and banana sandwiches make a great alternative to a peanut butter and jelly. Experiment with other fruits you enjoy.

8. Learn about portion control.

Too often, people believe they need to consume more food than is actually the case. Eat only what you need and you will discover that you do not spend as much money per person per meal. Try using salad plates for serving meals to assist you in learning how to put less food on the plate. Do the same for your serving bowls.

9. Meal Planning

Planning your meals for the week ahead has many advantages. You can prepare food  in advance and you only need to go to the store once, which saves you both time and money! Prepare by noting down about 20 recipes your family loves and pick the meals you need for the week ahead. Write down the ingredients you need to buy on your shopping list and you’re done.