It seems that everyone is feeling a financial pinch these days as the economy continues to sag. We're all trying to save money any way we can, while keeping our fingers crossed that our jobs remain intact. One of the easiest targets in any budget-slashing enterprise is the grocery bill because it's one of the most flexible expenses. But there is a tendency to forgo the healthiest items on our lists, such as fruits and vegetables, since they're often the costliest. It's not a good idea to sacrifice your health in order to save a few bucks, however, so here are some ideas for how to eat healthy on a tight budget.
I'll admit that it takes a bit of work to eat healthy on a tight budget, but it absolutely can be done. If you're committed to following through, then you can still buy the ingredients for hearty, wholesome, nutritious meals that won't put too much of a dent in your wallet.
The first thing you have to do is forget about buying prepackaged foods. It's no secret that consumers pay a premium for the convenience of bagged salads, heat-and-serve breakfast sandwiches, and the like. You can save lots of money each week by making your own salads and meals with fresh ingredients. Moreover, a key component in how to eat healthy is avoiding the preservatives that often go into prepackaged goods, so you'll actually be killing two birds with one stone.
Another thing to do is to use coupons or stick to items that are on sale. This sounds like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised at how few people take advantage of coupons anymore. Shopping this way does take some discipline, so be prepared to make frequent substitutions. If apples aren't on sale this week, make do with oranges instead. If beef has been slowly creeping up in price, switch to turkey or chicken. Most people who know how to eat healthy on a tight budget are very strict about the sales-only rule. It really makes a difference!
And finally, if the option is available to you, consider joining a wholesale club such as Costco or BJ's. In addition to the typical gallon jugs of ketchup these places are known for, they also sell meats and produce. If you have enough room in your freezer, you can stock up on lean cuts of beef, pork, or chicken, and simply defrost them when you're ready to cook. Similarly, you can purchase discount produce -- as long as you're sure you can use all of it before it goes bad. Loading up on vegetables and then making a couple weeks' worth of stews and casseroles to freeze is something lots of folks do.
These are just a few basic ideas for how to eat healthy on a budget. I know it's tempting to simply stop off at McDonald's or Burger King and order off the dollar menu on your way home from work, but you won't be doing your waistline any favors that way. Your health is worth the extra effort!