I know what everyone is thinking. Not only is healthy eating difficult, but healthy eating on a budget is even harder! The thing is though, it doesn’t have to be. There are many simple ways to stick to your healthy eating meal plans while also keeping your hard earned money in your pocket.
Frozen is Just as Good as Fresh
Fruits and vegetables are frozen at their peak freshness when they are the most nutrient-dense. Fresh fruits and vegetables, although delicious and convenient, can spoil quicker and lead to more waste. Frozen produce is cheaper and easier to buy in bulk when there is a sale.
If You Do Buy Fresh, Buy What’s in Season
Fresh produce can add up, but when items are in season the prices are lower. If your favorites are in season, stock up on them and try freezing! Freezing allows you to buy in bulk and not let so much go to waste. Not sure how to freeze fruits and vegetables? Check out the following link for some helpful tips!
Don’t Shop on an Empty Stomach
The first rule of thumb for any healthy eating plan is don’t shop on an empty stomach. It also helps with maintaining a good budget. When you are hungry, you are more likely to grab unplanned items that aren’t necessary and can up your shopping bill. Plan your meals ahead of time and prepare a grocery list. Make sure to have a small snack before hitting the store to stop those cravings.
Repurpose Those Leftovers
Oftentimes recipes can call for only a portion of a fruit or vegetable. For example, you might only need half a pepper or a portion of a bag of spinach. Be creative in repurposing those remaining vegetables into other meals. Soups, chili and casseroles are a great way of throwing leftovers together and using up partial items in your pantry. Leftover chicken is great to use the next day in salads or even a breakfast burrito. The possibilities are endless!
If you need more assistance with sticking to your healthy eating goals, contact the health coaches at [email protected].