Rules for healthy eating on a budget
What is the best way to lose weight and stay healthy? Replacing junk food with healthy food! Sounds easy, right? Sure, it would be easy as 1-2-3, if healthy food was not so expensive. Many people say that they would like to go on a diet and eat healthy food but cannot afford that. I can seem difficult to eat healthy food when you’re on a tight budget!
Generally, people tend to believe that healthy food is more expensive, but with some basic knowledge and a little bit of time, everyone is capable of eating better. If your budget is tight these days, don’t stress—just follow our rules for healthy eating on a budget! If you’re interested in unique products for preparing healthy meals, check BREO BOX subscription box.
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Photo by Make a shopping list
The first rule when it comes to healthy eating on a budget is easier than you think! Just make a shopping list. People who shop without a list are not just likely to spend more, but buy more junk food. Therefore, the next time you head to the store, check the ingredients you already have and write down the only items you have to buy. Stick to the shopping list and avoid additional costs.
Don't shop when you're hungry
If you want to save money, never shop when you’re hungry. According to research published in JAMA Internal Medicine, shopping for groceries on an empty stomach can make people purchase more high-calorie products. So, if you’re hungry, you are more likely to veer away from your shopping list and grab all junk food from the store, which is not good for your budget.
Buy on sale
Just like buying clothes on sale, you can also buy healthy groceries on sale. You can always search for your favorite products online and check if they’re on sale. Buying on sale can save you money, so next time before you go grocery shopping, check or download some supermarkets mobile apps to get some coupons.
Pay attention to those sales ads. Make sure to cook at home more often to save extra money. Subscription boxes by BREO BOX represent support for healthy eating on a budget, and you can always find some of the best gadgets for your kitchen inside!
Replace soda and juice with water
Soda drinks and other unhealthy beverages cost a lot. On the other hand, water is free! For example, soda drinks cost the restaurant between 5 cents and 20 cents per serving. Remember that the next time you order a $2.50 soda drink. Besides, soda drinks, and junk food will only make you fat. Replace them with water or homemade lemonade.
Eat more rice and beans
Some people say that it is hard to get the number of calories you need if they choose healthy food, so they have to buy larger portions and spend more money. It doesn’t have to be like that. Instead of eating pasta, hamburgers, and pancakes every day, eat more rice and beans. Rice and beans will make you feel full without spending a lot of money. Use extra vegetables in your meal with rice and you won’t have the problem with getting enough calories.
Cook and pack your lunch at home
Cooking healthy meals at home is much cheaper than eating at the restaurant. Usually, you may be able to feed up to 4 people for the same price as buying food for one or two people outside. If you eat out healthy food every day, you will spend a lot of money.
Besides, cooking large portions means you can use the leftover for your lunch or freeze it for later. Packing your healthy lunch and drinks at home is less expensive and can save you a lot at the end of a month.
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Photo by Buy cheaper brands
Keep in mind that all food producers have to follow standards to provide safe food. Cheaper brands may have the same quality as other famous brands, just less expensive. Most supermarkets have a large selection of healthy foods produced by generic brands. Don’t judge, give it a try and eat healthy on a budget.
Buy frozen fruits and vegetables
Another rule for healthy eating on a budget: don’t be scared of frozen fruits and vegetables! Frozen fruits are usually as nutritious as fresh fruits. Besides, it is cheaper and available in bulk. You can use frozen products to make healthy oatmeal or smoothies regardless of the season.
Buy in Bulk
People usually buy healthy foods at lower prices, even though there is a better offer when buying in bulk. Consider buying in bulk quantities to save money. Groceries such as grains, rice, oats, dried fruit are available and relatively inexpensive in bulk. You can also keep such groceries for a long time, stored in containers. It’s much cheaper to buy a larger bag of rice than buying smaller portions every week.
Grow your own healthy food
If you can, you can produce healthy food. Seeds are usually very cheap to buy so you can grow herbs, tomatoes, onions, fruits, and other foods you love. This can save you a lot of money and help you eat healthy on a budget—as well as enjoying homegrown veggies. Now, people who live in apartments wonder how this rule works for them? There are ways you can grow plants indoors, even if you don't have enough time or space.
Smart Garden 3 by Click and Grow was part of our subscription box. This product is an innovative self-sustaining indoor garden that cares for itself and grows fresh, healthy herbs, fruits, and vegetables for you. For more cool gadgets like that, check the summer subscription box and surprise yourself.
Don't be scared of expiration dates
Expiration dates show people the last day a product is safe to consume. It doesn’t mean that the food is already rotten inside. Food is still okay to eat even after the expiration date. You may be surprised to hear that Americans are throwing away bruised foods that haven’t actually gone bad because of the expiration date. It’s okay to consume such products for a short period after the date. You can buy such healthy foods at very low prices, so make sure you check fruits and healthy food with an expiration date next time you go grocery shopping.