Eating Healthy Without Breaking the Bank

One of the many excuses I hear when talking to people about their choice of foods is "It is too expensive to eat healthy". Granted some things are more expensive - especially when it comes to organic foods and grass fed beef. However, if you know where to cut back and where to spend a little more you can have all of your healthy foods and not feel like you are breaking the bank. Here are a few quick tips I have picked up along the way..

1. Be prepared: Coming to the store with a set list of the things you need - and sticking to that list - can make or break you. If you spend a few minutes planning out your meals ahead of time you can save yourself from picking up a bunch of unnecessary items. 

2. Do not shop hungry: I have fallen victim to this many times. You get in the store and all of the sudden the growling in your stomach has taken over the elevator music being piped through the store. Suddenly everything around you looks good and you start craving things you haven't craved in months! You find yourself grabbing this and that and before you know it you are leaving the store and loading bags of extra groceries in your car that you later look at with regret. If you are going to be hungry by the time to get to the store throw a quick healthy snack in your car or purse to curb that hunger while you are shopping.

3. Eat less meat: I never realized how much of our grocery bill was taken up by meat purchases. We were eating red meat a few times a week (which that in itself is not healthy). We have cut way back on red meat and try to get more chicken and fish in our diets. Even going vegetarian a night a week can make a difference. You can opt into the "meatless Monday" craze that so many people do. Also, if you eat less meat when you do purchase it you can opt for the higher quality meats. 

4. Grains and Beans: Grains and beans are a great meat substitute that help you feel full and pack a powerful nutritional punch. 

5. Buy in bulk: You can get grains, pasta, beans and nuts in bulk. I love the bulk section at Whole Foods because it allows you to save money (you are not paying for packaging) and you can get the amount of a product you need without having a bunch left over. You can also use the bulk section to try new things when you don't want to get a whole package and worry about wasting it if you don't like it. 

6. When going organic - stick to the "Dirty Dozen": Don't feel like you have to buy organic in everything you purchase. The "Dirty Dozen" is the list of fruits and vegetables with the highest amount of pesticides. 

- Peaches
- Apples
- Sweet Bell Peppers
- Celery
- Nectarines
- Strawberries
- Cherries
- Pears
- Grapes
- Imported Spinach
- Lettuce
- Potatoes

I also use a vegetable/fruit wash to pre-wash both my organic and non-organic vegetables and fruit.

7. Buy locally: the Farmer's Market or local produce stand can be a great place to get quality fruits and vegetables for a lower price than your big box grocery stores. 

These are just some of the tips that I have collected over the years that help me to eat better and stay within my budget. I would love to hear some of your tips and tricks and add them to the list. Feel free to leave a comment and let me know what your tips are!