Once you have decided to eat healthily, the next step is to know how to buy healthy foods. However, meal planning can be tricky when you have a tight budget. Here are some smart tips to help you buy healthy foods on a budget.
1. Shop Around First
When shopping for healthy products, an important tip is to compare the prices of products first before making any buying decision. If your favorite grocery store offers price matching, be sure to use the flyers to price-match the products that are on sale. Also, compare the prices of products in different stores to know which offers cheaper products.
2. Buy in Bulk
Ordering some foods in bulk can save you a lot of money in the long run. Non-perishable products like rice, oats, coconut oil, almond flour, and olive oil are available in bulk. When stored properly in airtight containers, these foods stay for a long time. Better yet, there are a number of health food stores where you can buy organic products for less.
3. Plan Your Budget
Planning your budget is an important money saving tip. Setting a budget for what you plan to spend weekly or monthly on grocery will enable you to save tremendously.
4. Buy Vegetables that are in Season
Vegetables and fruits can be quite expensive at certain times of the year. A smart tip is to purchase them when they are in season since they are usually less expensive. During winter, opt for frozen vegetables which are cheaper and fresh.
5. Buy Whole Grains and Beans
Whole grains like rice and beans are a healthy and cheaper option compared to processed foods. Whole foods are sold in larger quantities and have more serving per package than processed foods. Apart from being on the higher side, processed foods are also low in vitamins and minerals.
6. Cook more Often
If you are trying to eat healthy on a tight budget, then you should cook more often at home. When you make it a habit to cook at home rather than eating out, you will be saving money and providing healthier options for your family. Just come up with a plan of how best to cook your meals.
7. Look for Sales
Check up with your local grocery store to see what’s on sale. This way, you can plan for your meals and shop for grocery depending on products that have a lower price or discount. If the store offers a savings card, make sure you sign up so you can get weekly circulars.