Stay Fit and Eat Healthy Meals On a Budget
You don't have to spend hundreds of dollars a week in order to eat healthy, organic foods. Of course, eating healthier foods, buying organic, and buying brand name "health foods" comes at a premium. There are, however, ways in which you can go about making healthy meals at home, eating well, and avoid breaking the bank. Consider a few of these simple tips to help you get started.
Planning is Key
Plan your meals in advance. If you can plan your snacks as well, do so. Meal planning involves measuring foods, using ziplock bags, and preparing your dishes in advance. It might not be the best way to spend your Sunday evening, but meal prep will help you save nearly half of what you've been spending on groceries, while also allowing you to plan healthy meals to help you maintain your physique.
Make Your List (and Check it Twice)
A grocery list is another imperative shopping tactic you'll need to employ to buy the healthiest foods without overspending. If you didn't plan to buy two extra avocados for the week or buy juice for the kids, don't buy these items. Grocery list apps can also be helpful in finding coupons and helping you find the healthiest food options. Use what's at your fingertips, and stick to the plan of action you've laid out to avoid going over budget.
Don't Dine Out
This one is probably the most obvious item on the list. You know that buying filet mignon at the grocery store is expensive. So, why go to a restaurant and spend nearly five times as much for the same dish, to be prepared full of fatty, non-essential ingredients? Not only are your meals healthier at home (you control what you put in them), they are also much cheaper since you are not paying a premium for the "atmosphere" of the restaurant.
Bulk Purchases Are More Affordable
Ever wonder what you'd do with 5 pounds of oatmeal from mega stores like Costco? The answer is, save! Even if you can't consume foods by the expiration date, you can freeze many items and take other approaches to preserve them. When items come in bulk packaging, you pay less for them. So, if you are shopping for a bigger family, or if there are items you can freeze (and otherwise preserve), buy in bulk to pay a lower price per pound (or ounce) for those items.
Buy in Season
When it comes to fruits and veggies, buy items that are in season. If you're buying mangoes when they're not ripe, they tend to cost more. Or, if you're buying items that aren't produced locally year-round, this will cause result in supermarket price hikes. When possible, buy what's in season (and if you aren't sure, look for items that are on sale). In addition to being cheaper, these items are fresher and will taste better as well.
There's no doubt that cooking at home is not only healthier but also cheaper. But, if you want to save even more when shopping for your family, these are a few simple tips that'll ensure your grocery bills go do, while your waistline shrinks as well.