Eating Healthy on a Budget
Posted on May 15, 2013 by Kristi Dear, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.
Eating healthy to avoid expanding your waistline and wallet!
Eating healthy on a budget is possible.
Below are 5 steps that will help you stay physically and financially fit!
1. Know what’s in your fridge and panty.
One mistake that people make is going to the grocery store blind, meaning, walking in with no list and no idea of what you have, or need. This can lead to buying double, wasting time and money!
2. Plan your meals for two weeks out.
In our house we call our menu the Dear Bistro. I write out each dinner meal for two weeks and place it on the fridge for the whole family to see. Having a menu and plan eliminates the uncertainty of what’s for dinner and stops you from grabbing something fast and possibly unhealthy.
If you have a busy evening you can plan quick healthy meal like turkey tacos, broiled tilapia fillets with corn on the cob, salad, or whole-grain spaghetti with lean turkey meat. You can also crock-pot it so dinner is ready when you walk in the door.
I have found many recent specials such as, eight corn in husk for $2, five Tilapia filets for $6, and 1 lb extra lean turkey meat for $3. Pair with a sweet potatoes, black beans, or veggies and Viola! These meals are only $5-$10 a family! Saving on your waistline, and wallet.
3. Your grocery list. Don’t leave home without it!
Walking into a grocery store without your list and meal plan can lead you to buying too much, not enough, or unhealthy foods, not to mention overspending on your grocery bill. Make a list of everything you need, and stick to your list. Another tip, never go to a grocery store hungry, or you will be encouraged to buy more than you need!
4. Use Coupons, find specials, compare prices! You can save on healthy food if you read the grocery store papers. Many offer low prices on fruit, vegetables, chicken, fish and more. If you have a favorite store but find a better deal at another store, ask your store if they price match. I know Wal-Mart does. If you have a favorite brand of a healthy item but never seem to find a coupon, go to their website and ask them if they offer coupons and if so have them send you some. 5. Set aside a bi-weekly grocery budget. Bring a calculator with you to help you stay on track, so your not totally shocked, and out of breathe at the register.If you are thinking, this seems like too much work and don’t have the time, look at it this way; time is money, and when you save money, you make money. Instead of having to work more, you can shop better and put money in your wallet. Remember this: It takes six weeks to form a new habit and anything you try new will be a challenge for the first few weeks. This can be applied to exercise, diet, or finances, but once you get the hang of it and you form this new habit, it will become easier.
**For more quick, healthy, budget-friendly meal plans, check out my website.
