Eating healthy is important for overall wellness, but it’s often thought of as expensive. Don’t use this as an excuse anymore. Eating healthy on a budget is possible.

With smart shopping and preparing, you can eat foods that are good for you without breaking the bank.

Plan Your Meals

Before heading to the grocery store, make a meal plan. This can be a simple strategy, such as writing down five meals you want to make for the week. Once you have a meal plan, create a grocery list from it. Stick to the grocery list as much as possible.

Impulse purchasing can quickly add up and bust your budget.

Buy Whole Foods

Processed foods tend to be more expensive than whole foods. Buy fruits, vegetables, and bulk grains or beans to save money. Even better, choose frozen vegetables when fresh isn’t affordable.

They are usually less expensive, last longer, and retain their nutritional value. An exception to this rule is when a processed item is on sale, and it’s cheaper than a whole food. Fellow assistants, coupons are your best friends in this matter.

Buy in Bulk

Buying in bulk saves money and is better for the environment because there is less packaging to dispose of. For example, if you eat oatmeal or granola regularly, buy a large bag of it instead of individual packets.

You can also buy meat or poultry in bulk and separate it into smaller portions to freeze for later. Parents, you get an extra advantage here because bulk buying diapers and formula will save you money in the long run, too.

Try Store Brands

Store brands are usually cheaper than name brands, and the quality can be similar.

Look for store brands that are packaged by the name-brand company; these products are often nearly identical to the name-brand item but labeled differently and sold at a lower price.

Shop Near Close-Out Dates

Near the “sell-by” or expiration date, stores mark down items that will go thrown out in a few days. These deals are better than nothing, but shop carefully.

Only buy perishable items that you are confident you will use before they expire, or else the purchase will not be a bargain.

Create a Buffalo List

The “buffalo list” is another essential technique for saving money. It’s a list of all the items that you buy regularly. When you have an opportunity to buy a few of these items on sale, stock up.

For instance, if peanut butter is usually $4/jar but is on sale for $3/jar, buy a few jars and save them for later.

Prepare Your Meals at Home

Eating at restaurants or buying takeout meals is more expensive than cooking at home because you’re paying for the convenience and service. Instead of purchasing premade or dining out, try cooking at home.

It can be a calming and enjoyable experience for some people and also helps in bonding with family members. Your kids can learn about what you’re cooking too.

Use Coupons

Coupons are an excellent way to save money on healthy food. Check out the store’s coupon policy or look for mobile apps that offer coupons in your area.

Many coupon apps allow you to search by product or store, and you can show the cashier the coupon on your phone when you check out to receive the discount.

Grow Your Own Produce

Growing your own fruits and vegetables is a great way to save money and ensures that they are fresh and organic. If you have a backyard garden, plant a few high-yielding crops, such as zucchini or cucumbers.

Or try small-space gardening—like container gardening or using light-weight hydroponic gardening systems. It is also a healthy family activity and a great way to teach your kids how plants grow and where their food comes from.

Frozen vs. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Fresh fruits and vegetables are costy during their off-season. Frozen fruits and vegetables are safe to eat, as they are picked during their prime and are preserved quickly.

Surprisingly, they often retain most of their nutritional value even after being frozen. Plus, frozen fruits and veggies don’t spoil as quickly as fresh produce so you can stock up when prices are low.

In Conclusion

There are many strategies for eating healthy on a budget. Preparing your meals at home and buying in bulk are just a few of them. Remember to make a meal plan and stick to your grocery list when you hit the store.

Use coupons to save on healthy food and try growing your own fruits and vegetables. By following these tips, you can eat well and stick to your budget.