A new year brings new goals. Most of us seek to return to healthier eating. But we’re working on limited funds after the celebrations of the Christmas season. How can you eat healthy on a budget? Is it really possible?
YES. Healthy eating and tight budgets can co-exist. You just need to be smart about the ways you shop and how you prepare your favorite foods. Let these tips guide your thinking.
Skip Fancy Blenders
Everyone LOVES a healthy smoothie. However, you don’t need to start out the year by purchasing a pricey blender. Crack out the one you already own. It will get the job done. Or purchase a mid grade model (a place like Kohl’s with coupons or Costco is a great place to shop) for less than $100. If you stick with your healthy habits, you can save money to pay cash for a more substantial unit.
Focus on What You Love
Friends, many of us can fall into the trap of purchasing every vegetable in the aisle. After all, this will be the year we finally learn to love kale. This is a trap! It’s OK to branch out to one or two new items per week but by and large focus on the fruits and vegetables you love.
Buy Long Lasting Options
Many fresh fruits and vegetables expire quickly. When you shop, be sure to check expiration dates and think through the week ahead. If you don’t think you can consume the food before they expire, skip it for the week. Some produce like sweet potatoes, potatoes, apples, and oranges last longer than items like spinach, berries, and avocados. It’s fine to purchase one or two items that ripen quickly. However, overloading on them is a spending trap. If you’re interested in making your produce last longer, read Ways to Make Fruits and Veggies Last Longer.
Don’t Refrigerate Everything
Not every piece of produce you bring home should go directly into your fridge. Some items can be stored on the countertop – bananas (they last longer if you put them on a banana tree) or avocados, for example. Other items should be stored in a dark, cool place like in a pantry, cellar, or simple in a lower cabinet – like potatoes, sweet potatoes, and onions. These items actually last longer when they are not refrigerated. The American Heart Association has a great guide to storing fruits and veggies. Some of the non-refrigerator items on the list surprised me. I had no idea I shouldn’t store my tomatoes in the fridge!
Make Your Own & Use Great Containers
Smoothie kits, pre-made salads, veggie trays – while they look appetizing, the mark up on these items is ridiculous. When you can, make your own versions of these. From pre-bagged smoothie ingredients (which by the way is a great idea to make good use of bananas before they go bad) to chopping veggies as soon as you get home, you can do this. DIY healthy snacks and treats.
Extend the life of your fruits, veggies and leftovers by storing in solid containers. Choose seal tight items and glass dishes so you can see what’s inside.
Buy Bulk
When it comes to items like whole nuts, it’s smart to buy in bulk to get a cheaper price. Skip the individually packaged 100 calorie trail mixes or snack packs and again make your own. Or buying larger cuts of lean meats can also bring your overall budget down. Some bulk purchases will require you freezing them so they last longer. Be sure to cut meats into smaller portions and store in airtight containers before freezing.
Use Subscribe and Save
For vitamins and protein powders, consider using Amazon’s Subscribe and Save program. Not only will you get 15% off when you order but you can also use Amazon’s coupons to make the deal even better. For instance, Pure Bone Broth Protein Powder is regularly $26.99 on Amazon but Subscribe & Save drops the price to $22.94 and a coupon available now only makes it $3 less or $19.94. For a number of packaged foods, Amazon is a strong option for your budget and your health.
In the end, fight off the temptation to bite off more than you can chew when it comes to shopping for healthier foods. Pace yourself in the grocery store and focus on the items you love. More nutritionally dense foods are always more cost effective, helping you make the most of your money. Plus, you’ll avoid the expense of purchasing more clothing and dealing with medical problems. It’s always worth it.
Our new book Your Money, Your Marriage is now available! Be sure to check out videos on managing money together on Facebook.
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional
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