On Monday’s blog post I discussed the increasing costs of eating healthy. While Americans seem to be gravitating towards healthier foods over junk foods, the change can sometimes be difficult since it’s usually much cheaper to fill up on empty calories and food you know are bad for you.
With that said I was providing you with the problem but not the solution. So today’s blog, which focuses more on budgeting than credit is dedicated to eating healthy without plunging yourself into debt as a result; since it’s entirely possible to eat better while sticking to the same budget.
Tip #1: Cook at Home
If you only take my advice on only one of these tips, make it this one. I look at this the same way I do budgeting: is it the most exciting option? Probably not. However is it going to make a huge difference for me financially at the end of the month? If done properly, absolutely. Plus I’m able to say that I can make more than Mac & Cheese now.
Tip #2: Eat Less Meat
This is one of the easiest ways to save money and maybe the hardest thing to do. Maybe it’s just me, I’m a steak & potatoes kind of guy, but meat is something that I was eating almost every day. Meat is expensive, there’s no way around it. Now, I’m not saying you should go vegan or anything, but if you cut it down to one or two days a week it will cut back considerably on your budget.
Tip #3: Buy in Bulk
I’m sure we’re all aware that buying in bulk saves money, but this can go beyond just so-called staple foods. Things such as dried fruits, flours, and nuts will keep; and even more perishable items like meats and poultries will last a few months in the freezer and eggs can stay fresh for up to a month in the fridge. You just need to plan ahead and ration properly when dealing with items in bulk. If you end up wasting it because it spoiled you’re defeating the purpose.
Tip #4: Go Frozen
Frozen fruits and vegetables are picked when they’re ripe. They’re then frozen immediately to preserve both flavor and nutrients. On top of that they’re usually cheaper than their fresher alternatives and there’s no reason you shouldn’t be looking for big bag specials at your local supermarket.
Tip #5: Eat Seasonally & Locally
Most people buy food depending on what we think is going to taste best. However just because you want Blue Point oysters from New York, off-season, while you’re living in Los Angeles doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best idea. When you buy food that’s in season and not shipped in from half way around the world, not only is it less of a dent on your wallet, but it’s probably going to taste better too.
Tip #6: Focus on Grains and Beans
It’s often difficult to move away from eating so much meat or other big entrees when there’s nothing “heavy” in meal. Grains and legumes are excellent when it comes to filling you up and they’re full of nutrition as well. Beans are a good substitute for the protein that you’re missing out on with less meat intake.
Tip #7: Cook for a Rainy Day
If you’re anything like me, you eat out often not because it’s better tasting, but just because you’re lazy. Standing over a stove isn’t always the perfect end to the day. So I plan ahead, I cook double what I normally would and pack the rest away for one of those days where sitting down to eat is about all I’m willing to do. Leftovers never seem glamorous but the amount of money you’ll save is substantial … not to mention that “picking something up” normally means eating unhealthy.
There are of course plenty of other tips that can save you money and allow you to eat healthy, but these are the 7 I try to live by most often. Like I said earlier, I know this was a bit off-topic, but is there anything major any of you think I’m missing?
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