How to Stay Healthy On A Budget

Let’s face it, eating healthy can be expensive and time consuming. It’s definitely easier and faster to pick up a $1 cheeseburger from McDonalds over purchasing an entire meal from Whole Foods. Because of this, the cost of being healthy can sometimes make it difficult stay on track when you’re on a tight budget or schedule. But there’s hope! There are many ways to save time and money while still eating single-ingredient foods that’ll help keep your health in check and improve your performance throughout the day.

1. Plan your meals: When it comes to saving money at the grocery store, prior planning is key. Take a day out of your week to plan your meals and then make a grocery list of everything you’ll need. The key? Stick to the plan! Only purchase what you know you’re going to use so you don’t end up throwing away food that you won’t use. As a general rule, try to shop along the perimeter of the store first as the middle of the store often has the most processed and unhealthy foods. Additionally, there are now a lot of great grocery apps that’ll help you stay on track while you shop!

2. Cook at home and make enough for leftovers: It’s true, cooking at home is WAY cheaper than eating out. Try to make cooking at home a habit rather than eating out at the last minute. You’d be surprised at the fact that you can generally feed an entire family for the same price as buying food for one person at a restaurant.

3. Pack your lunch: We’ve already established that eating out can be very expensive, especially if done regularly. Packing your lunch, snacks, drinks and other meals is less expensive and healthier than eating out. Plus, if you’ve cooked large meals at home then you’ll have a consistent lunch to bring everyday without the additional effort or cost!

4. Buy frozen fruits and vegetable: Fresh fruits and veggies are only in season a few months out of the year and can be rather expensive. Frozen fruits are usually just as healthy, is way cheaper, and is available all year long. Frozen fruits and veggies are great to use when cooking, making smoothies or for oatmeal or yogurt toppings! The best part is that you’ll be able to only take out what you plan to use and keep the rest from spoiling in the freezer.

What are some tips you use to stay healthy on a budget?