There’s a sad reality that Americans face. If you’re on a strict budget, then eating processed food is much easier to manage than buying fresh, healthy food week in and week out. Cheap food packs in more calories without breaking the bank, but processed food also costs more in the belong run because it’s associated with worse health outcomes.

Striking a balance between price and nutrients is essential. And it can be done without compromising on taste. Keep reading to learn how to eat healthy on a budget.

1. Buy Seasonally

Huge markets create demand that allows shoppers to buy whatever they want almost whenever they want, regardless of what’s in season locally. But there’s one thing you need to know: out-of-season products are always more expensive. Why? Because if it’s out of season, then it comes from further afield, and it probably comes in smaller quantities.

When you’re buying fresh produce, you will always save money and get a better product by buying what’s in season.

Use this guide to help you figure out what’s at it’ peak now.

2. Use a Meal Plan

Do you know how much you spend on food? Looking for a way to stretch your dollar? Meal planning allows you to cost the price of each serving exactly and encourages you to be creative with your shopping.

Using a meal plan also allows you to make a shopping list, which you can also price online. Then, you know exactly what you will spend going into the store and even consider swapping out meals (like vegetarian chili over beef chili) to save money.

Bonus: when you have a meal plan, you’re less likely to go out or order in during the week because you always have a dinner plan. You could save hundreds on impulse take out over the course of the year!

3. Seek Out Grocery Store Alternatives

In the U.S., we buy our food at the big box grocery stores. They set the prices, and there’s no wiggle room. But did you know you don’t have to stick to the big chains?

Groups like Imperfect Produce buy up and sell products that grocery stores want at a substantial discount. See, the U.S. wastes one in five pieces of fresh produce because it’s not ‘perfect.’ It might be perfectly edible, but it’s not cosmetically perfect.

By buying fresh produce from groups like this, you can save as much as 50% on your food costs and help cute down on waste.

Creativity is How to Eat Healthy on a Budget

Learning how to eat healthy on a budget has nothing to do with how much money you have but how creative you can be. Being willing to plan around seasonal availability and go outside of traditional grocery stores can cut your food bills by as much as 50%. What’s more, you don’t have to give anything up. You’ll likely enjoy more delicious meals as a result!

Are you looking for more tips or recipe inspiration? Visit our Nourish archive for more!

What are your favorite tips for eating healthy on a budget?

Share your thoughts and comments with us.

“PIN & SHARE”