Eating Healthy On A Budget

If you have problems serving healthy foods because of the prices, you'll find these tips to be just what you need to eat healthy on a budget.

1.  Eliminate junk food

Doing your shopping on your own is the easiest way to shop, as children and sometimes spouses are usually the ones requesting junk food.  Shopping alone will prevent this, and ensure that you only buy the foods you need.

2.  Water instead of soft drinks

You can still enjoy your favorite drinks at a sporting event or night out, although you should stick with the smallest size when shopping to save money and calories. 

3.  Buy fruits in quantity

When they are in season, buy fruits in quantity and freeze any extras.  You can buy several pounds this way, and freeze extras to have them when the fruit goes out of season.  Wash the fruit well, remove any spoiled pieces, dry thoroughly, then freeze in plastic zipper bags in individual serving sizes.

4.  Beans and meat

Beans and meat are the best sources for protein.  Lean meat is more expensive than meats with a lot of fat in it.  Canned beans are a great deal as well, as they give you natural protein at a great price., without the cholesterol that naturally comes with meat products.

5.  Beans as a substitute

You should use beans a substitute for meat on a frequent occasion.  There are many different varieties, so you can prepare them in a crock pot. When you return home they are ready to consume.  The USDA recommends eating beans at least 4- 5 times per week.  Of course eating beans more often is welcomed.  If you experience gas after eating beans you should try washing them, covering them with water, bringing the water to a boil, then draining it off and refilling the pot. 

6.  Eat more Fish

 

If you live in a coastal area or an area where fish are around, make that an integral part of your diet.  You can catch them from the lakes or rivers, saving money in the process.

7.  Good ole' fashion Peanut Butter.

 

Peanut butter is great for those on a budget as it's popular with almost everyone.  You can use it for sandwiches instead of eating hot dogs.  It does need to be refrigerated, although bigger jars can last you for weeks.

8.  Eat fruit and vegetables that is high in water content.

You should fill up with foods that have a high content of water.  Watermelon and cantaloupe are great example of fruit and Tomatoes and Broccoli are great examples of vegetables that are high in water content.

 

9. No refined flour products

Don't eat white rice, or refined noodles to 'get full'.  Sure, those items are cheap, butt the reality is you'll be hungry right after you eat those types of 'foods' because of their low nutritional value.  Hunger is your body asking for nutrients, not for 'stuff'.  Try eating a few pieces of fruit instead of Ramen Noodles.

Eating healthy is always something you can't go wrong with.  You can eat healthy for just a few bucks, which makes it perfect for those on a budget. Now, you don't need a lot of money to have the lifestyle and health you've always wanted.