Top Ten Tips - Eating Healthy On A Budget
By Tip Diva | Mar 08, 2008
Categories: Behavior, Budget, Cheap, Coupons, Difficulty, Eating, Food, Garden, Health, Money, Restaurants, Savings, Shopping, Stores, Supermarket, Tips
Eating on a budget is hard, but eating healthy on a budget is even harder. Before you go and grab that hamburger from the dollar menu, consider these healthy, yet cheap, tips:
- Shop In The Outer Perimeter Of The Supermarket - Think of what’s there - product, dairy, meats and fish. The outer perimeter has less processed, unhealthy foods than the aisles, and usually at less cost.
- Use Smart Shopping Tactics - Use coupons. Write down a list. Don’t shop hungry. And check out these supermarket savings tips.
- Look For Older Food - Bruised fruit, foods close to expiration or end cuts of meat are usually cheaper, yet just as good.
- Avoid Shortcut Foods - Sure, it may just be easier to buy unbuttered microwave popcorn or bottled iced tea, but you’ll save a lot more money if you make your own from scratch.
- Buy In Bulk - Whether you use a warehouse club like Costco or your regular supermarket, you may be able to buy cheaper (and healthier) in bulk. Buying bulk is especially good for grains, legumes and other healthy foods that can be easily frozen.
- Look Beyond The Supermarket - You may find cheaper, healthy foods at farmers’ markets, ethnic food stores, co-ops, food stands and other specialty places.
- Cook More At Home - Eating out is expensive. Healthy eating out is even worse on your wallet. Start cooking more at home, and bag your lunch.
- Grow Your Own Food - One of the cheapest ways to eat healthy is to grow your own food, especially vegetables and herbs.
- Eat More Grains, Legumes, Fruits And Vegetables - They’re more filling and less expensive than meats and dairy. If you want to have meat or dairy, decrease the portion and add more of the above.
- Decrease Your Portions - Evaluate how much you eat. You may be able to nosh on less and still feel full. You’ll save money and be healthier.
Other Tips To Check Out:
Fantastic ideas and they work! Once I started eating healthier, I definately SAVE money at the market. I buy all my fruits & veggies at a farmers market then chicken & fish at the supermarket. Of course the wine section is also on the outer side of the market - so that’s my excuse for picking up a bottle. ha ha.
Holy cow, that first tip is an eye-opener. I never really thought of it that way! You can really put together an entire meal without even venturing into the aisles. For me (the Queen of the Quick-Shop) that’s also a great timesaver. I can’t believe I never realized that.
Consider me schooled. :-D
P.O.M. - Never thought of the wine that way… antioxidants! ;)
Mommy B - I’m hard-pressed to find a supermarket that doesn’t have that kind of layout!
Hi,
You got good ideas! Eating at home is always healthy and it save alot as well. The problem is I am always too lazy to cook at home:)You are also providing some good tips for lazy people like me. Thanks!!
Coey’s Last Blog Post: 1
Great tips. It’s amazing how much time it saves when you just shop the outside of the store.
I would advise against the bruised fruits and vegetables though. Bateria and such get in that way. Never eat anything bruised or browning. With all the salmonella and stuff going on, you have to be more careful these days.
And as for healthy eating costing more money? Let’s see, a bag of chips $3.79
A bad of baby carrots - 99 cents
A cantaloupe - I just paid $2 last week.
;-)
Carole’s Last Blog Post: Repurposing Household Items
Eating healthy on a budget is VERY doable. One just needs to think of what’s available at the local grocer and plan accordingly.
Don’t leave out food you like - just buy in bulk, watch out for sale days, use coupons, etc.
Do try to incorporate MORE beans, rice, veggies, and fruits in your diet, as TipDiva mentioned above - they’re healthier and less expensive.
And tasty!
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Scouncsoymn’s Last Blog Post: 1
I would definitely agree that eating while poor can be difficult. Especially being a college student living on my own, it can be extra rough getting the right kind of nutrition.
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