Eating healthy on a budget can seem like an impossible task, but it doesn't have to be! Here are some tips to help you eat healthy without breaking the bank:
PLAN AHEAD: Before you hit the grocery store, make sure you have a plan for the week. Planning ahead will help you save time and money. You buy only the ingredients you need for the week, as well as buy in bulk on the ingredients you’ll use multiple times, allowing you to save. Planning ahead can also help reduce the amount of wasted produce. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, Americans generate over 63 million tons of food waste a year. With 31% of that waste being fresh fruits and vegetables! A good thing that came from the pandemic is utilizing a grocery delivery or pickup service. This allows you to buy exactly what you need and saves tons of time, and probably at least $20 from impulse buys.
SHOP IN-SEASON PRODUCE: Fruits and vegetables are much cheaper when they are in season, so make sure to take advantage of this. And check out local farmers markets to get the best deals on in-season produce.
Spring: Asparagus, Strawberries, Spinach, Peas, Rhubarb, Radishes, Artichokes, Lettuce
Summer: Tomatoes, Corn, Peppers, Watermelon, Zucchini, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Blueberries
Fall: Apples, Pears, Squash, Potatoes, Pumpkins, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Sweet Potatoes, Pomegranates
Winter: Oranges, Grapefruits, Onions, Carrots, Cauliflower, Kale, Parsnips, Turnips
BUY FROZEN FRUITS & VEGETABLES: Frozen fruits and vegetables are usually cheaper than their fresh counterparts and can last much longer in the freezer. Plus, they are just as nutritious! Produce is frozen at its peak ripeness and is more likely to retain more of its nutritional value than the fresh counterparts.
CHOOSE YOUR PROTEIN WISELY: While you may not always be in the mood for the “cheaper” sources of protein, such as beans, eggs, and fish. These can often be much more affordable than red meats and even chicken. By going back to tip #1 and planning ahead you can also shop the deals. Pick 2-3 of your preferred places to buy groceries and check online for any meat specials, deals or coupons. You can also buy larger, family packages or whole meats and ask the butcher to cut them for you (most stores will do this as a complementary service). Once you get the meat home you’ll want to portion them out appropriately for your family and use a
vacuum sealer to ensure they don't get freezer burn and you benefit from the longevity of the freezer.
BUY IN BULK: Buy your non-perishable items in bulk. Things like grains, nuts, seeds, pasta, rice, canned foods, baking items, and cooking oils are great options to have in your pantry. Many non-perishable items are staples for any kitchen and many recipes. Having these items on hand will not only save you time from running to the grocery store, but you’ll save money buying in bulk, not to mention the savings of not making an impulse buy.
DRIED OR DEHYDRATED: When it comes to stocking up on food and saving money, one of the best options is dried or dehydrated food. Dehydrated food is essentially food that has been dried out through a process that removes moisture, without compromising its nutritional value. This makes it a nutritional option that is super convenient with a long shelf life. Dried herbs and spices are another great option for convenience and saving money with less waste.
ESSENTIAL OILS: Similar to dried or dehydrated foods, essential oils can be a great option to enhance and/or replace fresh herbs, spices and fruits. They are more potent than their fresh counterparts, they have a much longer shelf life, and a little goes a long way.
Some of the top essential oils to consider replacing fresh herbs, spices and fruits are: Basil, Oregano, Rosemary, Thyme, Lemon, Lime, Ginger, Marjoram, Peppermint, Lavender, Fennel, Coriander, Cinnamon, and Vanilla.
You can pick up this
doTERRA Cuisine Collection for only $47! The collection features four blends: Italian, Mexican, Thai, and Tropical, that are bursting with flavor.
Or in my
Personal Favs Cuisine Collection, you'll get the four doTERRA cuisine blends plus the four essential oils I use the most in the kitchen - Cinnamon, Lemon, Madagascar Vanilla, and Peppermint. In addition to the 8 essential oils, you'll also recieve a free diffuser because who doesn't love free stuff, all for just $157!?
With a little bit of planning and creativity, you can eat healthy on a budget and make it a natural part of your lifestyle. Start by meal planning, take advantage of sales and discounts, buy in bulk, shop in-season produce at farmers markets and discount stores, and use dehydrated herbs or essential oils when and where you can.
Remember, eating healthy on a budget is possible and within your reach.
xoDanette