How to Eat Healthy on a Budget
Your grocery budget doesn’t need to determine your weight loss; in fact, some of the healthiest foods are the cheapest to purchase! Before you begin worrying about the price of eating healthy, let’s take a look at how you can eat healthy without breaking the bank.
Eliminate Unnecessary Carbs
Processed bread such as rolls can be an easy food to cut from your diet for both your budget and your health. Instead of a turkey and cheese sandwich, consider a roll-up complete with lettuce, tomato, and pickle. Both your budget and waistline will thank you. Having a pasta dinner? Skip the additional garlic bread and grate fresh garlic onto your main meal instead.
Replace Crunchy Snacks
Skip the chips and grab some veggies or nuts instead. Full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, many vegetables, and lightly salted nuts can stand in for crunchy snacks when that mid-day craving hits. Try carrots, cucumbers, sweet peppers, and nut mixes—and treat yourself to some dip! Skip already prepped produce and opt to wash and cut them yourself; prepping food yourself will always save you money in the store.
Stock Up on Meal Replacements
If you need an on-the-go meal or a meal replacement, consider a well-balanced discount protein bar. Both quick and economical, protein bars are great during a morning commute or for a lunch paired with fruit. With the average protein bar costing less than $3, they’re a great way to save money while eating healthy. For more savings, buy in bulk; the price per bar decreases when you purchase larger lots. Start by buying individual bars so you can try a variety of flavors; once you find a favorite, stock up and save.
Eat Fiber
Eating foods high in fiber makes us feel fuller longer; the longer we feel full, the less likely we are to overeat or snack unnecessarily. Aim to eat fruits and vegetables (with skins on) at every meal. Increasing your fiber intake can decrease snacking, which can lead you to skip purchasing processed snacks. Over time, skipping the snacking habit can save you $10 or more dollars each week!
Eating healthy on a budget isn’t impossible; it’s actually pretty easy! The key is to stick with it; changing habits is always hardest in the very beginning. But after several weeks of replacing unhealthy eating habits with healthy ones, choosing healthy options will become second nature. There’s a ton of options out there; shop around until you find what you like—your effort will be worth it in the long run!
- Nashua Nutrition Admin