How I Eat Healthy On a Budget

So let me be honest for a moment. Eating healthy can sometimes be very expensive. And when you're on a tight budget like myself, that package of affordable, tasty ramen noodles sounds better and better every time I think about what I want to eat for the week. But what if I told you that there are actually ways to save money and still buy the healthy food you're looking for? Here's some of the tips I use to eat healthy on a budget.

Tips for eating healthy on a budget
1. Meal planning is everything
Meal planning can not only make or break healthy eating progress, but it can also help save money! By planning meals at the beginning of the week, there won't be as many last-minute costly convenience food decisions.
Use a meal planner to stay on track and make the most of your week!

2. Make detailed grocery lists
Once your weekly meal plan is made, make a detailed grocery list that includes everything you will need for the week. Don’t forget to look in your pantry to see what you already have. I have made this mistake with noodles time and time again. Following this grocery list will help you avoid adding "extras" to your shopping and ultimately help save money!

3. Batch cook meals
Making big batches of healthy meals and eating leftovers throughout the week saves on time and money. My go too’s are taco soup, chicken cesar wraps, healthy pasta dishes, and oatmeal squares! Check out one of my favorite oatmeal square recipes here https://cookieandkate.com/baked-oatmeal-recipe/

4. Purchase frozen fruits and vegetables

My favorite eating healthy on a budget tactic! Purchase frozen fruits and vegetables instead of fresh when they're out of season. Fresh produce can be costly out of season, so this is a great way to cut costs!

5. Eat less meat
Listen I get it I love meat too, but one of the best ways to save money on food is to eat less meat. Considering reducing meat by only eating it every other day or a couple of times a week! Instead, focus on getting protein and nourishment through vegetarian sources, such as eggs, lentils, chickpeas, beans, grains, and green peas.

Buddha Bowls are a great option if you struggle to find a meatless meal check out this build your own Buddha bowl template.

6. Learn which healthy foods are the cheapest
Here are some of my favorite cost-effective healthy foods:

Beans, Brown Rice, Eggs, Bananas, Whole Wheat Bread, Lentils, Potatoes, Oats, Canned Tuna, Canned Tomatoes, Frozen Fruit, Frozen Vegetables

7. Keep quick, healthy meals on hand
No one's perfect, and sometimes life happens. Having quick, healthy options on hand (such as frozen meals or canned soup- always be sure to check out the sodium content in these two items) are great for last-minute, unplanned meals and can help avoid a costly fast food trip!

8. Make affordable healthy recipes
You don’t always have to use expensive ingredients to make healthy meals! Sheet pan and crock pot meals are my go too’s!! You can get a lb of chicken breast at Kroger for $2.99. Can’t tell me that’t not cheap!

So see, if you use these 8 tips I have listed above you will for sure save some money. This has helped me out during my season of being on a tight budget. Some days I do not feel like cooking so having things on hand has been a huge life saver for me!

What are your eating healthy on a budget tactics? I would love to hear about it in the comments below!

XO Kayla