HOW TO EAT HEALTHY ON A BUDGET

Have you ever gasped at the price of meat, fruits and vegetables when you go to the market? Eating healthy doesn’t have to be expensive.

Even though the prices of fruits, vegetables, and meat could frighten you a little, there is always a way around it. You could eat nutritious and delicious foods without having a tear in your pockets.

We all want to live healthily and having a good diet is all part of that. The benefits of healthy eating are many. It is good for our physical and mental wellbeing. The food you eat supplies your body with nutrients, which gives your body the energy it needs. What’s important is that you eat a balanced diet and with proper planning, you can eat a range of healthy foods without having to break the bank.

When it comes to healthy eating, there is this question people ask, and it’s how to eat healthily on a budget. It probably applies to everyone, whether you’re single or married. The truth is eating wholesome, delicious foods doesn’t have to be expensive. The key to eating healthy is having a budget that makes you get stocked up on the right food and also minimises food wastage.

Are you ready to eat healthy on your budget? Then let’s get to it.

1. SHOP AND EAT IN SEASON

The best way to eat healthily is to eat in season. Foods in season are always fresher, and tastier and the abundance of the crop usually drives down the price, making it affordable.

Seasonal produce varies from region to region. That’s why you need to do a bit of research to know what’s in season In your area and plan out your meals. If you try to get fruits when they are not In season, then be ready to have a tear in your pockets.

2. PLAN AHEAD

Everyone needs to have a plan when they shop for food. Make a list of the things you would need and do not go to the supermarket without eating.

When you go to the supermarket without a list of things you would need, there is a tendency you will give in to impulsive buying.

Make a list of the important things and stick to it.

3. REPLACE SOME MEAT WITH OTHER PROTEINS

When it comes to buying the healthiest meat, we want organic, pastured and grass-fed options. This is not only good for you, but for everyone. However, stocking up your fridge with the highest-quality proteins could cost you so much.

You could supplement your protein intake with plant-based sources of protein. Plant-based sources of protein come from plants and are both healthy and cost-effective. Examples are pulses, which include beans, lentils, peas, etc.

4. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FROZEN FRUITS AND VEGETABLES.

Both organic and non-organic frozen fruits and vegetables are less expensive than fresh, yet they are nutritious. There is a misconception that everything needs to be fresh for it to be healthy. Well, that’s not true. Frozen fruits and vegetables contain the same amount of nutrients as fresh foods. Frozen vegetables like green beans and peas make a great addition to curries and stir-fry, while frozen fruits like mango and bananas are perfect for smoothies.

5. MINIMIZE FOOD WASTE WITH A FREEZER

Have you been in a situation where you stock up your store with fresh produce and only have half of it spoil before you get to use it?

Food wastage is a huge drain on your bank account and no one would be happy to see their fresh food get spoilt. That’s why you have to make use of your freezer. If you have bananas going brown, just slice them up, place them in a plastic bag, and store them in the freezer for smoothies or banana bread.

The freezer is your friend when it comes to food wastage.

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