A common complaint of both individuals and families is that it’s too expensive to eat regular healthy meals.
Watching the prices of proteins and produce rise over the years, it’s hard not to become downhearted about what your shopping bill might look like if you pack your trolley with healthy foods.
But, before you opt for the processed route (which can often end up even more expensive), take a look at these tips and hacks for eating healthy on a tight budget.
Make a list – check it twice
Planning your shopping list is five minutes in your day that you won’t regret.
A staggering amount of household rubbish is attributed to unused/wasted produce that sits in your fridge like an abandoned afterthought.
Jot down the meals you want to make for the week, then only list the ingredients and quantities you actually need so nothing goes to waste.
Add staple foods to your meals
Certain foods are metabolised slower than others, and fill you up quicker, keeping you satisfied for longer. Foods such as fresh potatoes, pasta, rice, oats, whole grains, and legumes are cheap, healthy, and a great source of slow-burning energy.
Buy what’s in season
Do some digging on seasonal fruit and vegetables and stick to the list for each season to make sure you’re not paying top dollar. Prices are generally set on supply and demand, so in-season fruit and vegetables are typically much cheaper, more plentiful, and tastier!
Minimise the meat
Our bodies don’t tend to need as much meat as we statistically consume at each mealtime. Meals that use meat as an ingredient rather than the star attraction of the dish can help spread out the quantities and get more bang for your buck. It’s also a great idea to mix in some vegetarian meals throughout the week to minimise the need for buying larger quantities of meat. You can also half the meat content in recipes and use a tin of no added salt lentils, beans or chickpeas to “bulk” up the meal. (which will not only help to lower the cost of the meal but also add nutrition in the form of fibre and plant based protein).
Go cheaper over convenient
It’s easy to fall into the habit of getting all your groceries in the one place to make things more convenient, but the habit is hurting your hip pocket!
Shop around at different places such as fruit and vegetable stores, produce farms, butchers, and bulk discount stores to find yourself a better bargain. Specialty shops are often cheaper and better quality, making the extra trip worth your time.
Go for budget over brand
Unless you have a very refined palette, it’s often difficult to spot the difference between budget brand products and their name brand equivalents. In most cases, the ingredients tend to be identical (beans, corn, beetroot, crushed tomatoes), and the rest is just fancy labels and a higher price bracket.
Swap out soft drinks
Not only are these beverages harmful to your health, but they also add up on the docket. Good alternatives, soda water with a squeeze of lemon or lime; diluting the soft drink with soda water (half concentration); opting for a no sugar variety; or consider saving soft drinks only for special occasions.
Your body and your wallet will thank you!
If you need help with recipe ideas visit Healthy Core and find some easy, healthy recipes recommended by our Dietitian Stacey.
If you would like to book a consultation with Stacey, please call our friendly team on 8578 6544 or book online.