When most indivuduals think of eating healthy, the first thing they most likely think about is how expensive their grocery bills may become. Eating healthy doesn't mean you have to shop at Whole Foods, or strictly buy organic food or go out and splurge on supplements. There are so many ways to eat clean and healthy, and not spend a fortune doing it.
Below are some key tips for eating healthy that won't break your bank and actually save you money:
1.) Become a member at Costco or Sam's Club
The average consumer doesn't realize how much money you can save by doing a big portion of your shopping at Costco. I buy all of my frozen fruit here, as well as protein powder, nuts, almond milk, hummus, beans, and alot of my vegetables to juice. The price is literally cut in half on all of these items when you buy in bulk. The great thing about buying these items in bulk is they have a large shelf life and won't go bad. The general Costco yearly membership runs around $55 and is worth every penny.
2.) Buy generic, not brand.
Whether you are in your local grocery store, or Whole Foods, you should always pass on the brand named items. The Whole Foods 365 products are great, and sometimes even healthier than the conventional store product equivalents. Also, when comparing, for example a can of beans, the generic brand will read the same ingredients and be half the price. Why spend the extra money when you don't have to?
3.) Buy In-Season and Local Fruits & Vegetables
Find out what fruits and vegetables are in season and stock up. Generally whatever is in season will be plentiful and on sale. I usually will find fruits and veggies that are in season and look up recipes to incorporate them into my dinner to switch things up and keep things fresh. Not only are these items peaking flavor, but they are usually on sale as well.
4.) Eat breakfast at home
I always start my day out with a smoothie. This smoothie usually consists of frozen blueberries, frozen strawberries, almond milk, protein powder, bananas, and water. It's extremely simple and fast to make, and will keep you full for three to four hours. Not too mention, it's loaded with nutrients, energy, and antioxidants to get your day started off on the right foot!
5.) Prepare and pack your lunch
By preparing your food the night before and packing your lunch you can save anywhere from $30 – $45 dollars per week. Also, by packing your own lunch, your can avoid those fast food trips that your other co-workers may con you into. Take the extra 10 or 15 minutes the night before and prepare yourself something healthy and nutritious.
6.) Brew your own coffee and tea
Have you ever kept a tab of how much money you spend on making the daily trip to Starbucks or your local coffee shop? Those little $3.00 – $4.00 cups of coffee add up quick. I recommend stocking up on Sunday and purchasing a half pound of coffee or tea from your local coffee shop and brew your own at home before you go to work. Not only will this save you time, but money as well.
These are the key tips I try and practice to eat healthy on a tight and frugal budget.
Let us know if you have any further tips to add to the list in the comment section below!