healthy on a budget · Nov 08, 2023

How To Eat Healthy on a Budget

You’re standing in the grocery store, your cart filled with vibrant, nutrient-dense foods and lean proteins, only to receive a total bill that nearly knocks you off your feet. The cost of living keeps rising, and our grocery bills are no exception. As we navigate higher prices, our health still deserves the top priority, regardless of the economic climate.

The health benefits of good eating habits are more than a lifestyle choice -- it's an investment in our well-being. It's hard to eat healthy when fresh food and lean proteins get more expensive every week. If you have additional health considerations, like diabetes, this can make meal planning seem even more impossible.

But here's some food for thought: We can eat healthily without breaking the bank. With a dash of creativity, a pinch of planning, and a serving of savvy shopping, you can still keep your plate full of nutritious, budget-friendly meal options. Stay with us as we share tips and recipes for eating healthy without spending too much money.

How to Eat Healthy on a Budget?

Since 1997 and until 2022, the annual spending on food in the United States increased by 70%. More to the point, our total food spending increased by 11.4% in 2021 and another 3.4% in 2022. Despite some changes from COVID-19 and other factors, the USDA still predicted food prices would increase by 4.1% in 2023.

In light of these numbers, it's no wonder that many people are struggling to maintain healthy eating habits. But before we dive into our tips for eating healthy without breaking the bank, let's establish some general guidelines. Eating healthy on a budget gets simpler when we break it down into five best practices.

You could start by:

Choosing healthy foods
Learning what to eat more of
Knowing what to eat less of
Finding tips for saving money
Learning about cheap, healthy meals

Choosing Healthy Foods

The journey towards a healthier lifestyle begins with understanding what foods most benefit our bodies. This knowledge is the foundation of our eating habits and guides us in making smarter food choices. As Michael Pollan, a renowned author on food and agriculture, says, "Eat food, not too much, mostly plants." This simple mantra points to whole foods, particularly plants, and how they should be in our diet.

We should prioritize eating a diverse range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. These nutrient-dense foods have essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that are key to maintaining health. You've heard this before, but we should also limit processed foods in our diet.

Processed foods are high in saturated fats, sugars, and sodium. Eating processed foods more frequently exposes you to a greater risk of heart disease and diabetes. The next time you're at the grocery store, remember to fill your cart with whole, fresh foods and limit the number of processed items. We understand that it can be difficult for people who need gluten-free or vegan options.

So, let’s talk about what you should eat more and what you should put back on the shelf.

What to Eat More Of

Filling your plate with healthy food choices benefits your overall health, and it's more manageable on a budget. According to Harvard's School of Public Health, focusing on diet quality is the master key to overall healthy eating. In other words, you should prioritize whole foods rich in essential nutrients.

So, let's take a quick look at some of these foods:

Whole Grains: Foods like brown rice, oatmeal, and whole wheat bread are rich in fiber and can aid in digestion.

Superfoods: Foods like blueberries, kale, and sweet potatoes have many vitamins and antioxidants. If you enjoy gardening, you can grow these foods at home; check your zone's requirements.

Plant-Based Protein: Foods like lentils, chickpeas, black beans, and tofu are excellent protein sources and are budget-friendly.

Leafy Greens: These are rich in vitamins A, C, and K. You can buy spinach, kale, or collard greens in bulk to save money.

Fruits and Berries: Many berries have high levels of vitamins and fiber. Shoppers can usually find frozen berries cheaply, which are just as healthy as fresh ones.

Nuts and Seeds: They are excellent sources of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Consider buying these in bulk to save money.

Remember, choosing generic brands for these healthy food options can save money without compromising your health. Check out this article that shows how store brands often match or surpass the quality of their name-brand counterparts. Doing this could save you $30 or more a month on your grocery bill.

What to Eat Less Of

Eating healthy foods is important. However, we should also avoid eating things that could harm our health. These harmful substances can prevent us from reaching our goals.

Here's a quick rundown of some foods to cut back on:

Red Meat: Studies link high red meat consumption to heart disease and certain cancers. While ground beef is a rich source of protein and iron, limit how much you eat. Instead, try leaner proteins like chicken, turkey, or plant-based proteins.

Sugary Drinks: Sodas and fruit juices often contain incredibly high added sugar levels, contributing to obesity and diabetes. Instead, hydrate with water or herbal teas.

White Bread: Made from highly processed white flour, white bread turns into glucose in the body, leading to rapid spikes in blood sugar. Opt for whole grain bread, which is higher in fiber and makes you feel full longer.

Fast Foods: These are typically high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sodium. While it might be tempting to grab a quick burger, consider healthy meal prep ideas or choose healthier options when eating out.

Awareness is the first step. Then you can begin to make better decisions about your diet. Remember, the aim is to save money, eat in moderation, and make healthier swaps when possible.

Now, let's tackle how you can save money while eating healthily.

Tips for Saving Money on Healthy Foods

Saving money while investing in your health might seem like an oxymoron, but the right strategies make all the difference. Here are some tips that can help:

Make meals at home
Plan your meals and stick to your list
Love leftovers
Buy in bulk
Look for coupons and discounts
Consider vitamins and supplements

These changes can affect your budget. And, with some creativity and planning, you can have delicious, healthy meals without breaking the bank.

Make Meals at Home

One of the most effective ways to save money and enhance your health is by making meals at home. Ditching your usual takeout or restaurant meals can impact your wallet and slim your waistline. When you prepare your meals, you have complete control over the ingredients, portion sizes, and cooking methods.

More control should lead to better-quality meals and fewer calories. It's a chance to try out healthy ingredients and recipes that match your dietary needs and budget. People who cook at home consume fewer carbohydrates, less sugar, and less fat than those who cook less.

You can control impulse purchases by planning your meals and snacks for the week before going grocery shopping.

Plan Your Meals and Stick To Your Grocery List

Planning your meals and sticking to your shopping list is a practical strategy. This often overlooked technique focuses on groceries that align with your wellness and budgetary goals while avoiding impulsive junk food purchases. With planned meals, take advantage of batch cooking or preparing larger amounts of a dish, then dividing it into several meals.

Batch cooking saves you cooking time on busy days and ensures you have nutritious leftovers. Also, people who spend more time preparing meals at home are more likely to have a better-quality diet.

Love Your Leftovers

Don't discount the value of leftovers for cost-effective, healthy eating. Leftovers can be a goldmine for your wallet and your waistline. Reinventing last night's dinner into today's lunch not only stretches your food dollar, you're also reducing food waste, which is a win for everybody.

Try:

Storing leftovers safely, like using airtight containers and refrigerating them to retain nutritional value and taste.
Getting creative with your meals by turning roasted veggies into soup or using leftover grilled chicken in a salad.

Love your leftovers! They're great for your wallet and for saving time.

Buy In Bulk

Buying in bulk is a cost-effective strategy that reduces your grocery bill. Buying in larger quantities usually means a lower cost per unit and more bang for your buck. You could also go "dairy-free" sometimes to reduce your spending on perishables.

Staple items like brown rice, whole grain pasta, quinoa, and canned beans are perfect for bulk purchases, and they have a long shelf-life. We know generic brands are often cheaper but can be equal in nutrients compared to their branded counterparts. Plan meals around the same ingredients to increase savings while shopping.

Also, try to be creative with your leftovers to eliminate food waste. You can stretch your meals further and keep a constant supply of healthy options. So, unleash your inner savvy shopper and make buying in bulk your secret weapon for an economical lifestyle.

Another money-saving strategy is to buy fruits and vegetables that are in-season. Seasonal produce is usually cheaper and packed with more nutrients than out-of-season produce. Did you know growing your food can save you up to $600 per year, depending on what you plant and how much you grow?

You can also save money by growing herbs in your backyard or balcony.

Look for Coupons and Discounts

Aside from buying in bulk, you could also use coupons and discounts to stretch your food budget. However, the key to this is you don’t use coupons as an excuse to purchase unnecessary foods. You can usually find coupons in newspapers, store flyers, and online sites.

There's also a chance that your favorite store has an online app or a loyalty program that can save you money. It's important to understand that not every deal is a "good" deal. Try to compare unit prices, and remember, buying more doesn't mean saving more if it leads to waste.

As a rule of thumb, always stick to your list and resist the temptation because of a "deal."

Consider Vitamins and Supplements

Adding vitamins and supplements to your diet can bring massive changes. They can fill nutritional gaps and support those leading an active lifestyle or with special dietary needs. Here are a few ways to introduce more vitamins and supplements into your eating habits:

Elderberry gummies are a delightful way to boost your immune system, and their sweet taste makes them a guilt-free treat.

Multivitamin gummies are an all-rounder source of essential vitamins and minerals, perfect for ensuring you get a broad spectrum of nutrients.

Vegan pea protein is a plant-based source essential for muscle recovery and growth. It is an excellent addition to smoothies or post-workout snacks.

Buying vitamins and supplements in bulk online can also be a cost-saving measure.

Cheap and Healthy Meal Ideas

As we've discussed, you don't have to spend a small fortune to eat healthy. You can prepare nutritional, budget-friendly meals right at home. Plan and prepare meals with protein, carbs, and veggies, following the USDA's MyPlate Guide.

Here are some meal ideas to get you started:

Quinoa Salad: Prepare a bowl of cooked quinoa mixed with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, chickpeas, and a sprinkle of feta cheese. Dress it with olive oil and lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper. It’s a protein-packed, low-cost meal that is also high in fiber.

Chicken Stir-fry: Find boneless, skinless chicken thighs and your favorite vegetables. Create a stir-fry with them and garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. Serve it over brown rice for a filling, balanced meal. You'll get a meal with high protein, healthy carbs, and plenty of nutrients.

Vegetable Soup: Simmer a medley of frozen vegetables, diced tomatoes, and lentils in a pot with vegetable broth, herbs, and spices. This warm, comforting soup helps on those chilly days.

Oatmeal with Fruits and Nuts: A bowl of oatmeal topped with fresh fruits and a handful of nuts can be a quick, low-cost breakfast or a healthy snack. Using store-brand oats can further cut down your costs.

Planning and using affordable staple foods makes tasty, healthy meals without stressing your wallet. Striking a balance between nutrition and cost-effectiveness is possible with creativity, discipline, and strategic shopping. There are plenty of budget-friendly meal prep ideas for vegans and vegetarians, too.

Final Thoughts

Healthy eating doesn't need to blow your budget. Plan meals, grow food, use coupons, and buy affordable supplements to eat well without spending too much. Don't let financial constraints hinder your journey toward a healthier lifestyle.

Instead, use it as motivation to be more resourceful and intentional in your choices. Remember that healthy, easy meals don’t have to be expensive. Making smart food choices that give your body the nutrients it needs is the way to go.

Embrace the challenge because dollar signs don’t mark a path to a healthier you but by the conscious choices you make every day. A healthier outlook on life starts with hydration, nutrition, and movement. At Reflect, we strive to provide the resources you need for a happy, healthy life.

Learn more about our products and how they can aid your wellness journey.