How To Eat Healthy On A Budget

Are you tired of slurping on ramen noodles and canned soup every night because your budget is as tight as your gym leggings? Fear not, because eating healthy on a budget can be a total blast! Yes, we said it – fun! Don’t believe us? Keep reading…

First things first, let’s plan our meals. We know, we know, it sounds as dull as running on a treadmill with no headphones, but it’s the most important step in saving money on food. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to show off your inner MasterChef skills.

You do realize that cooking at home is always cheaper than eating out, right? We’ve tried eating out with a budget of $5, and let’s just say it didn’t end well. So, it’s time to dust off those pots and pans and get cracking!

But where can you find fresh and affordable produce? Easy peasy – farmers markets! They’re the perfect place to find fresh produce without the ridiculous price tag. Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity to get some exercise by walking around and shopping.

Another great tip is to buy in bulk. But make sure you have enough space to store all that food. We don’t want you to end up spooning quinoa all night, do we? No. No one wants that… and if you do, healthy eating is probably not the problem you should be focusing on.

Next, coupons and discounts are now your BFFs. You can find them in newspapers (if you’re under the age of 40 you may need to google what those are), online, and in-store flyers.

Now, let’s get to the fun stuff, our sample meal plan for the week! We’ve included some healthy and tasty options that won’t leave your wallet crying (although you may get a little misty-eyed after realizing your whole week just got easier since you don’t have to decide what’s for dinner…)

Monday:
Breakfast: Oatmeal with fresh fruit and a dollop of honey.
Lunch: Turkey wrap with spinach, avocado, and tomato.
Dinner: Veggie stir-fry with brown rice.

Tuesday:
Breakfast: Greek yogurt with granola and a drizzle of honey.
Lunch: Grilled chicken salad with mixed greens and veggies.
Dinner: Grilled salmon with roasted vegetables.

Wednesday:
Breakfast: Whole-wheat toast with smashed avocado and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Lunch: Black bean and corn salad with a side of grilled chicken.
Dinner: Chicken fajitas with mixed veggies.

Thursday:
Breakfast: Berry smoothie bowl with granola and chia seeds.
Lunch: Whole-wheat pita with hummus, cucumber, and tomato.
Dinner: Turkey chili with whole-grain cornbread.

Friday:
Breakfast: Banana pancakes with a side of turkey bacon.
Lunch: Tuna salad with mixed greens and veggies.
Dinner: Grilled chicken with roasted sweet potato and green beans.

Snacks:
Fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, and yogurt. You can also get creative and make your own trail mix (What!?! Now the fun is getting out of hand).

Remember, healthy eating doesn’t have to be expensive or dull. With these tips, you can have fun and tasty meals without breaking the bank. So, let’s get cooking and start the journey to a healthier and happier you!