Shopping for nutritious and healthy diet can be costly if not managed properly. You’ll end up spending hundreds of dollars more than processed and junk food. If plan ahead and do some smart grocery shopping you’ll not only save loads of money but also be able to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Here are some tips for saving money on a nutritious diet.
Plan Your Meals According To the Grocery Store Specials
Planning your meals ahead of time instead of going to the grocery store to pick up this and that can help you to save time and money while also reducing food waste. If you are able to plan your meals according to the weekly specials of the grocery store, that would save your money. Many grocery store chains now post their specials online.
Starting each meal with a protein increases your satiety. Try to include protein rich foods like as fish, a lean meat, or legume. Maintain a variety of protein using foods like tofu, peanut butter, and eggs. You can save money by sticking to inexpensive legumes such as lentils, garbanzo beans, or kidney beans.
Cost-Effective Recipes & Cookware
If you think big and try to stretch a dish to several meals, try to cook dishes such as stews, curries, soups, and casseroles. Owning a slow cooker will benefit you in the long run and they cost as little as $20. Cooking bigger meals not only saves money but also time.
Look For Cheap Ingredients
Here is a list of ingredients that are inexpensive yet healthy for your body. This doesn’t mean these foods will not provide nutrition to your body. These ingredients last longer too.
Veggies like:
- Carrots
- Cabbage
- Leafy greens
- Potatoes
- Sweet potatoes
- String beans
Grain like:
- Brown rice
- Oats
Fruits like:
- Apples
- Squash
If you keep in mind to shop according to the season in your part of the country and avoid exotic fruits and veggies, you’ll be able to save a lot of money.
Buy Staples in Bulk
Staple goods such as tea and coffee, whole wheat flour, rice, pasta, cereal, nuts and seeds, and dried fruit can be bought from your local wholesaler. Buying these goods in bulk keeps the budget intact. This way o need not run to different stress to get the best deals and offers.
Just make sure you have enough storage space for these staples.
Miscellaneous Tips to Keep in Mind
- Many grocery stores have rewards points system which would pay off if you shop there regularly.
- There are tons of apps that can track local sales and provide you options to create a grocery list and meal plan.
- If you’re a student or a senior, call around to find out if any local chains offer a discount on a particular day of the week.
If stay strong willed then planning a meal ahead of time should not be a stressful task for you. Just learn to say no to items out of your price range. Establish a system of shopping that will save money and avoid food waste. This way you can enjoy a home cooked and a nutritious meal.