Healthy Eating with Little Money

Sometimes, when you look at the grocery aisle, it can seem that you need a lot of money to eat healthily. Fast food is cheap. Good food … not so much. But I have good news, if you are interested in eating a healthy diet, you don’t have to be rich to do so.

It is totally possible to involve yourself with a healthful diet on a tight budget (and so many writers are on tight budgets these days). Of course, you may have to “pay” for it in other ways. For example, you might have to forgo fast food and take a little bit of extra time and effort to plan your meals. But you can make good and inexpensive food choices to provide your body with excellent nutrition.

Step One: Planning
When you go shopping, take a list with you of the healthy foods you need to purchase. Don’t wing it. Don’t just walk up and down the aisles without a plan. Basically, shop with purpose.

When you have a shopping list, you are less likely to purchase random junk foods that you do not need, thus saving you money. Planning ahead with a list also empowers you to look through store sales fliers and choose healthy foods that are offered at discount prices that week.

TIP: When you go grocery shopping, make sure that it is not on an empty stomach! If you are hungry when you grocery shop, you’ll be craving fatting foods and will be more likely to overspend and waste money on unhealthy products.

Step Two: Buy in Bulk
Many club stores have a membership fee, but you can save a lot of money if you have an adequate amount of freezer and pantry space. Look at the healthy foods you need, and then head to the bulk-food supply store in order to grab enough of the items for the next month. Remember to choose foods that are both healthy and that freeze readily.

If a membership club isn’t for you, you can always go to the larger grocery stores, which often have a bulk items aisle.

Step Three: Eat at Home
When you go out to eat or stop at a fast food restaurant on your way to and from work or during your lunch break, you will pay extra money for the convenience. These foods are usually high in calories and low in nutrients, as well.

Instead, calculate the money you would normally spend to eat out and then use it to buy more expensive healthy ingredients at the supermarket. You can make breakfast and dinner and also pack a lunch to carry to work or school.

Step Four: Buy Seasonal Foods
Fresh fruits and vegetables are usually very high in nutrients, but when you want strawberries in January, you’ll end up paying the extra price. Learn when fruits come into season in your area and purchase them at those times of year. You can learn to can or otherwise preserve these fruits and vegetables if you want to have them all year round.

Of course, heading to your local farmer’s market is a great way to purchase these items and save money. Healthy eating on a budget is all about being creative with the money you have. And, being a writer, I know you are creative!