Yes You Can Eat Healthy on a Budget

When you’re on a tight budget, the thought of preparing tasty, healthy meals on a regular basis can seem daunting. Not only is it easy to get sucked in by grocery merchandising tricks, but it’s also normal for most of us to fall into a mealtime rut, eating the same foods over and over. But you’re in control of your kitchen—and if you cook smart, you can enjoy the first-class meals you deserve.

 

Before you even walk out the door, sit down, write out a list, and stick to it. Shop once a week, and cut out coupons from the paper (skip those for processed foods that are expensive, even with the coupon!)

Money-saving fundamentals:

• Don’t go shopping on an empty stomach! Make sure you shop after a meal, or after a light snack to help resist temptation.
• Shop the perimeter (outside) of the store first. That’s where all of the healthier choices usually are; you’ll avoid all the more processed, costly items.
• Look for sales on fresh fruits and vegetables — stores get a bargain sometimes, and pass that savings on to you
• Choose a large bag of fruit (like apples or pears), instead of the single, large fruits priced per pound.

Buy generic: Generic brands can provide a great savings when shopping and are often labeled as the store’s brands. The nutritional value of the food is the same, whether it’s canned, frozen, or bagged foods.