Awesome Ways To Save Money When You Want To Eat Healthy
Eating healthy is expensive and I'm not sure why. People think we can pay an arm and a leg for all the products in the world, but it doesn't come cheap. Some people stay away from stores because they're so overpriced. Well, what if there were some alternatives to save money and eat healthy at the same time?
You're in luck because they are many creative ways for you to save some cash while not discarding food and make better decisions the next time you shop. Who knows, maybe you might do all of this in one trip.
Find New Uses For Old Foods
If you happen to buy fresh produce like me, try to avoid letting them go bad before you use them.
For example, don't just toss out your bananas, use that potassium to make banana bread. For fruits that will turn mushy like blueberries or raspberries, they work great for smoothies and pancakes too!
Grow Your Own!
Having your own vegetable garden only works if you have the time, space and passion for doing it. It's not just picking what you want in the garden. It could mean installing a raised bed in your backyard or using a few pots on your patio.
Or, if your wishing to grow some herbs, you could put a couple of little planters on your window sill.
Buy Frozen
The next time you're walking through the frozen aisle, remember this — frozen vegetables have the same nutrients as fresh vegetables.
They're usually cheaper, and they don't expire for at least a year or so. It's beneficial to have frozen products because you can heat them up and serve them as a side with rice to go with your choice of meal. A fact about buying fruits and vegetables when they're in season could be a big benefit for you. Check that out just ahead.
Buy Your Groceries Online
One of the most significant commodities has become a game changer for all grocery shoppers.
Using the internet might cost more than going to the store to make a purchase, but not getting off your butt can save you some cash. Even if you shop online, you're less likely to be introduced to a new brand of potato chips.
Make A Meal Plan Or A Grocery List And STICK TO IT!
If you're going to shop like an adult, you should always be ready to go with a list. Primarily, the list will contain items you need to make meals with instead of doing impulse buys.
That delicious tube of Pringles might be calling your name, but you know to go for the protein bars instead.
When It's In Season, Buy Extra Produce, Then Freeze It
Fact: fruits and vegetables are cheaper when they're in season. However, if you feel the need to buy extra and freeze it, there's a huge benefit to that.
You can enjoy them year-round without having to pay an arm and a leg. It's essential to stock up when things go on sale. Let's face it, the next one ahead saves time on prepping, but it's not good to have it several days a week.
Sales, Sales, Sales
Keep your eyes glued to great deals on healthy foods. Grocery stores publish a weekly ad which is accessible online.
So, you can look them up on your phone if you're on the go or if you need a dinner idea. If you're that kind of person who budgets everything, a calculator might be handy.
Double Up On Ingredients
While you're sitting there thinking about your meal plan, you can save money by using one type of produce in numerous dishes.
You could put sliced cucumber in your Greek pasta salad, and then do the same for a pita wrap too! My point is, this cuts down on food waste while saving money at the same time.
Load Up On Frozen Meals
Let's face it; frozen meals are there for the nights you're feeling unmotivated to cook. Not going to lie, they're significantly cheaper than ordering a two-topping pizza from Dominos.
Considering that the meals aren't super healthy, you shouldn't rely on them several times a week. If the thought of pre-cooked meals is up your alley, consider trying the next tip ahead.
Always Keep Rice And Beans On-Hand
You should do this for many reasons — they're cheap, delicious, and they're versatile. You can add anything to rice and beans, and you have a pretty tasty meal.
One of my favorite things to do with rice is mixed it in with chicken and broccoli because that's a lot of protein. If that's not for you, then maybe try using rice and beans for Mexican rice bowls.
Stock Up In Bulk
Do you want more food at a lower overall price? If you said yes, then buying in bulk is great for you!
It's perfect for things such as rice and other whole grains that have a long shelf life. The best thing about buying bulk is saving money and having more food to stock up on.
Do Some Meal Prep For Once
Meal prepping is one of the best ways to save money and time from cooking. All it takes is some motivation to prepare and package everything up.
After spending one evening just prepping alone, you're all set for an entire week worth of meals. If you need some sweet deals for your meal prep, consider going local for the next one ahead.
Store Your Grains In Jars
Grains in jars might sound strange, but putting them in clear jars means you might be more likely actually to cook them.
That way, you're using them instead of letting them sit in the back of your cupboard. Jars are much easier to reseal than the plastic bags that some foods come in. Also, it's a nice touch to your kitchen too.
Buy Fridge Drawer Lines
They are in most fridges, but it doesn't hurt to have more, right? Having some other device that extends the life of your food in the refrigerator is a huge benefit.
Not only will they last longer, but that gives you the chance to organize them instead of eating them in a short period.
Hit Up The Local Farmers Market
Depending on your whereabouts, there could be a local market in the area. Prices at your market may be much better than what you'll come across at the grocery store.
It's fantastic to get out and see what farmers have to offer to the public and to be honest, the produce has better quality too! The local market is great, but the difference between them and the store in regards to produce is still on the way.
Organic? Skip It
Organic products can be expensive unless you're starting your own Organic food podcast.
Nonetheless, dropping extra cash to buy organic produce isn't worth the purchase. If you and your family choose to eat that way, that's cool. But if you're willing to buy it every week, I hope you saved a lot of money.
Check Out Other Grocery Stores
If you're into Mexican, Asian or Hispanic foods, you're lucky if there's a store in your area that sells them.
They carry similar products at much lower prices and new fruits you might not have heard of before. It doesn't hurt to try something different if you keep having the same thing over and over again.
Don't Buy Pre-Chopped Vegetables
It might be convenient for you to grab a container for pre-chopped bell peppers, but it's not worth it.
You're just paying extra for the convenience because somebody already did the job for you, and they were paid to make it! This is why frozen vegetables are the way to go.
You Don't Have To Win Friends With Salad
Not only that, but other people tend to think that eating salad every day is way more expensive than eating junk food.
It doesn't have to be the case because you don't have to eat salad every day. If your office has some sort of salad club, clearly, none of them have watched The Simpsons.
Make Sure You Eat All Of It
Let this be a reminder that you shouldn't have to buy a bunch of whatever because it seems like a good deal.
Ask yourself this: "Am I actually going to eat this?" If not, then it's a waste of money and space. Also, don't buy snacks in bulk because it's the exact opposite of what eating healthy is.
