Just because you’re on a budget, doesn’t mean you’re restricted to ordering from your local dollar menu. Here are some tips for buying, cooking and eating healthier foods without breaking the bank.
- Purchase foods that are light on your wallet but still healthy and nutritious. Examples: beans and lentils, brown rice, soups, fresh veggies and fruit.
- The bulk of your diet should be comprised of grains (bread, pasta, and rice), fruits and vegetables. So cook foods with less meat content, like chili, stir-fry, soups and stews, or even tacos.
- When preparing a big meal try to make a little extra to freeze, or use later in the week for lunches or quick suppers.
- Don’t be afraid to purchase generic or store brands.
- Take advantage of specials, especially on staples like soups, pasta, rice, canned veggies, bread and meat. Many of these items have a long shelf life or you can freeze them until your ready to serve.
- When feasible, try to make as many meals from scratch as possible. Many of the prepackaged, boxed, canned, and frozen foods you buy from the store are high in fat, calories, sodium, sugar, and cost, compared to foods prepared at home.
- Plan meals and snacks several days in advance. Then write out a shopping list, and stick to it. Shop at stores that sell generic foods, store brand foods, and foods in bulk.
