Healthy Eating on a Budget
Eating healthy on a budget can be difficult but many healthy foods like breads, cereals, fruits and vegetables cost less than other foods like chips and pop. Below are some tips you can follow that will help you eat healthy without spending a lot of money.
For the Best Savings
- Look for sales in flyers from the stores you shop at.
- Make a grocery list and stick to it.
- Find out about food buying clubs and farmers' markets.
- Save coupons for the foods you buy regularly.
- Avoid prepared foods -they may save time but they cost a lot more!
- Shop the outside edges of the store where the healthy, fresh food is.
- Try no-name labels or store brands.
- Browse the shelves. Items at eye level are usually more expensive.
In Vegetables and Fruits
- Buy only as many fruits and vegetables as you need to reduce spoilage and waste.
- Buy fresh fruits and vegetables in season. For a list of foods in season click here.
- Buy frozen or canned vegetables and fruit. They are just as healthy and cost less.
In Grains Products
- Look for bargains on day-old breads and bakery products.
- Whenever you can, stock up on healthy, low-cost grain products that keep well. These include rice, potatoes, and pasta.
In Milk and Alternatives
- Skim milk powder can be mixed with water and used in soups, gravies, casseroles, sauces, pudding and scrambled eggs.
- Buy yogurt in the tubs instead of singles.
- Buy bags of milk instead of cartons.
In Meat and Alternatives
- Stock up on dry or canned beans, peas and lentils when you can. They give you the same food value as meat – at a much lower cost, with less fat.
- Buy value packs of meat when they are on sale and freeze them.
Resources
Healthy Eating Cheap and Easy
My Menu Planner
Last reviewed: February 11, 2011