1. Don't Panic
It can seem impossible to eat healthy when you are short on cash. But don’t worry, there are plenty of ways you can make your dollars stretch. First and foremost, look for cheap sources of protein like eggs, beans, and chicken. If you want some variety in your diet, buy canned fish like tuna or salmon at the grocery store instead of pricey fresh fish. Keep in mind that dried fruits and vegetables are also inexpensive when bought in bulk bins at stores like Trader Joe’s or Costco.
2. Eat Frozen Vegetables
If you're looking for an easy way to eat more vegetables, try buying frozen veggies. The frozen produce section of most stores has bags of mixed vegetables that are reasonably priced and make it easy to add some variety into your diet.
3. Cook from Scratch
Cooking from scratch is by far the cheapest way to eat healthy. The ingredients cost less than processed foods, and you can cook more at one time. Plus, when you make your own food, you know what's in it and how long it has been sitting around.
4. Shop Generic
When you're trying to eat healthy, there are a few different ways that you can save money. One way is by shopping at the right stores. You'll want to avoid grocery stores with Whole Paycheck reputations and instead go for grocery stores with lower prices. Stores like Aldi and Trader Joe's offer great food at really low prices, which will help keep your costs down. It also helps if you're willing to cook your own meals at home.
5. Buy in Bulk and Freeze
-Buy produce in bulk when it is in season and freeze for later use. This will save you money because usually produce is more expensive during the winter months. Plus, you can eat fresh fruits and vegetables year-round!
-Plan your meals around what is currently on sale at the grocery store.
6. Stick with Lean Protein
Protein is essential for muscle growth and recovery, as well as fat loss. The best protein sources are lean meats, eggs, seafood and dairy. These foods can get expensive when you're shopping at the grocery store, but there are ways you can eat cheap and healthy. For example, I purchase whole chickens when they're on sale. I then cut them up into pieces and freeze them until they're ready to be eaten in dishes such as chicken pot pie or chicken tortilla soup.
7. Snack Healthy & Cheap
If you're looking for snacks, here are some suggestions that are both budget-friendly and nutritious:
-Protein bars or protein powders are great in the morning before you go out for your morning jog. Packed with protein and fiber, these snacks will keep your energy up and hunger at bay. There are plenty of store-bought options that would work as well as some DIY recipes you can try out.
Raw Nutrition has some delicious and healthy bars and cookies you can try out!
8. Green Your Meals
Here are some tips for eating healthy without spending all of your time and money:
- Buy produce in season.
- Visit the farmer's market. These markets offer fresh, organic produce that is often cheaper than what you find at the grocery store. Plus, you get the chance to meet with growers who can answer any questions you might have about their products.
- Grow your own vegetables.