7 Tips for Eating Healthy on a Budget

Have you ever heard someone say (or maybe you've said it yourself) that it's so expensive to eat healthy?  Well, I'm here to tell you that it simply isn't true! Especially in the long run when you consider the negative health benefits (and high medical bills) of cheap food - which is often lacking in nutrition and full of questionable ingredients.

For example, a bag of potato chips - cooked in unhealthy oil, with preservatives and chemicals added -  may contain 6-8 servings.  Or for about the same amount of money, you can buy 10 pounds of potatoes that will serve 12-15 people or more.

Here Are My Top 7 Tips for Eating Healthy While Sticking to Your Budget:
1)  Plan your meals: If you have a plan - and a list - you can buy only what you need and avoid impulse buying of things you may or may not use.
2)  Plan for leftovers and incorporate them into another meal to help stretch your food dollars.
3)  Pack lunches and snacks: Leftovers make great lunches; snack on fruits, veggies, nuts or cheese.
4)  Stop buying processed foods: Shop the outside perimeter of the grocery store (produce, meat, dairy) and avoid boxes, cans, and bags.
5)  Don't eat out: It's always cheaper (and usually healthier) to cook your own food instead of paying someone else to do it.
6)  Stop buying soda and other sugary drinks including fruit juices.  No need to drink your calories...water will do just fine!
7)  Use ingredients you can re-purpose: With a little planning, a 4-5 pound whole chicken can easily provide for 3-4 meals.

There you have it...my best tips for managing your food budget!  I'm sure you can add your own ideas as well.  Reply to this email and let me
know what they are!

What to do when you crave those sweet or crunchy snacks?  Next time... my tips for sticking to your healthy eating plan!
 
Talk soon,
Sandy