The biggest complaint I hear from friends and family is that eating healthy is expensive. Truth is, it can be! But if you plan ahead and shop smart, you can stay within your budget and get in all the vitamins and minerals you need to stay healthy.
I’m sharing 7 tips I live by to eat clean and avoid breaking the bank!
Buy In Bulk
I can’t say enough how much I love Costco. I tend to buy chicken, salmon, frozen berries and protein bars in bulk there. Buying in bulk is great, but be mindful that not everything is a good deal. Buying too much produce can end up being a waste of money if you can’t eat it all before it goes bad. Only buy bulk items you can freeze or those you know you can eat before the expiration date.
Items I typically buy from Costco include:
- Kirkland or Premier protein bars
- Frozen chicken breasts
- Plain G
reek yogurt - Quinoa
- Unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- Frozen fruit (pineapple, mango, mixed berries)
- Vitamins and supplements (protein powder,
pre-workout , biotin, multivitamins, etc.) - Kodiak Cakes, Protein Pancake & Waffle Mix
- Almond butter
I’ll usually buy bulk items from Whole Foods or Fresh Thyme that I know are cheaper than buying packaged. These include whole grain rolled oats, popcorn kernels (for air-popping) and any baking essentials I need a small amount of (almond flour, coconut sugar, etc.)
Try Canned Proteins & Beans
Some people are skeptical about eating canned tuna and chicken, but as long as you are picking the right kinds, they can be just as healthy as the real, fresh option.
When looking for canned protein, check the ingredients to look for preservatives. Don’t buy anything with ingredients you can’t pronounce and are unnatural.
Canned beans are usually only $1 or less each and are a quick carb and protein addition to any meal. If you are looking for an even cheaper option, buy a bag of dried beans and cook them all at once. You can freeze some and save them for a later date.
Frozen Fruit & Veggies
Did you know fruit and veggies found in the frozen aisle are picked at peak freshness? They’re a nutritious, cheap option to consider for smoothies, salads and meal sides. I’m a sucker for frozen berries on top of oatmeal, yogurt and in smoothie bowls. One of my favorite frozen items
Shop Sale Items
Before heading to the grocery store, check out the sale ad online and plan out meals accordingly. Or head to the store and shop based on sale items. This is a great way to step outside your comfort zone and try new produce and products.
Make A Grocery List & Stick To It
This is by far the hardest tip to follow, but it’s the key to sticking to your budget. Plan your meals, write down all ingredients you need to pick up for breakfast, lunch and dinners, and don’t stray away from it.
Skip The Junk Food
Strive to only buy nutritious foods that will leave you feeling satisfied and full after every meal. Skip the junk food that does not add value to your diet. You can easily spend too much extra money on snacks that leave you wanting more and more food, further burning through your fridge and pantry.
Buy Generic Brands
Whenever possible, shop
Key Takeaways?
Plan ahead, meal prep and shop sale items to save during your next grocery shopping trip!