Can You Eat Healthy on a Tight Budget?
Many people are a bit hesitant to begin a healthy diet because they feel as though it is too costly. Today, more than ever, people are keeping a close watch on their personal household budgets and simply do not feel as though they can splurge on any expensive food items. Truth be told you can still eat healthy, and not wreck your budget. Below are a few tips to help get you on your way.
1. Opt For Frozen Choices: Frozen vegetables are almost always cheaper than fresh. Frozen options are placed on sale much more frequently than fresh options as well, and can often be found for a little as one dollar per package.
2. Check Out Discounted Specials: One great way to get fresh produce at deep discounts is to check out the reduced section at your grocery store. Sometimes this produce is referred to as “the day old produce”, but it is usually still quite good. Grocers need to move these items quickly, so they are often discounted seventy-five percent or more.
3. Shop Sales: Pick up a sale flyer for your local grocery store and plan your list in advance. Stock up on items when they are on sale. Items such as beans, nuts, and dried pastas can be stored for a good length of time. Meats can be frozen for up to six months. Taking advantage of sales prices can save a ton of money.
4. Visit Farm Markets: Local farm markets are excellent resources for getting healthy, local produce at very reasonable costs. Since the items are local, they do not have be transported, which allows the prices to be much lower than you find at supermarkets. Not only are these foods cheaper, they are usually much fresher and healthier.
5. Start Your Own Garden: If you have some space in your yard, or even a patio that you can place a few pots on, consider growing some of your own produce. Herbs, tomatoes, squash, melons, carrots, and many other great items can be easily grown right at your own home. Seeds can usually be purchased early in the growing season for pennies.
6. Make Some Substitutions: Some easy substations can be made to your dishes, especially when baking. Oils and eggs can be quite expensive. Try substituting the same amount of sugar free applesauce for the called for amount of oil. A tablespoon of soy flour can be substituted for each egg. Soy flour lasts a long time and costs only two to three dollars per bag. Not only will this save you money, it also saves a good deal of fat!
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