Healthy eating on a shoestring

Sometimes it can feel as though eating healthy is a luxury rather than a choice. With supermarket shelves becoming increasingly expensive, you can almost understand why those on a tight budget can slip into the trap of buying cheap and easy takeways.

Eating healthy does not mean you have to live on expensive or exotic hippy foods. All it takes, is a little effort and planning to enjoy a nutritoius diet, saving both your wallet, and your health.

1. Think about what kind of diet works for you. The foods you enjoy, the lifestyle you lead and the needs of your family. Generally your grains, fruit and vegetables, will be at the cheaper end of the spectrum, than say meat and dairy. A diet of mostly wholefoods and limited processed foods, will be better for you overall.

2. Visit local markets or growers in your area - these will inevitably be cheaper than the supermarket and will generally taste better and last longer. (A supermarket cold storage  will make fresh foods deteriorate more quickly.)

3. Actively seek out bulk bin stores - those that sell dry products by bulk. You don't pay for packaging and you can essentially bag as much, or as little, as you need. A definite money saver.

4. Wholesalers are another great option. Buying a product on mass (say, 5kg of laundry detergent), may look enormous, but will save you cash in the long run. Stick to what you need though - remember you have to store the item someplace at home.

5. Try to eat seasonally, as these products will be cheaper than their out of season (and often imported) counterparts.

6. You don't have to buy the most expensive on the shelf. Often cheaper brands, such as the supermarkets own label, will be just as tasty and nutritious as those with a higher price tag.

7. Get back in the kitchen. Dust off your cook books and get back to basics. If time is a factor, and for those with a busy lifestyle, try making one of your favourite dishes in bulk. You can freezing smaller portions for those evenings where you don't feel like cooking. Soups, casseroles, curries are great options.

8. Keep an eye on your refrigerator. Catch food before it spoils and don't buy something you already have enough of. Often food at the end of their best can be used in cooking soups or stews. Try not to waste unnecessarily.

All it takes is a little effort and concious shopping and you'll soon be in a healthy routine. It can be really positive for all the family to get involved in the cooking and meal preparation. Install good habits in your kids and teach them to appreciate the meal in front of them.

published 3 years ago

schmeidi

641 points