Healthy Living 101 - Eating Healthy on a Budget

Eating Healthy on a Budget

Eating healthy on a budget does not mean to sacrifice the things you enjoy. There are easy ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle and stay within a reasonable budget. For the most part, people are tuning to healthier food options such as grains, leafy vegetables and less or no meats. One of the most often used resources for budgeting are coupons. Secondly, shopping at local markets can also put extra pennies in your pocket. Lastly, buying in bulk is another budget friendly alternative. There are many options available to provide your family with healthy meals while being budget conscience. These tips will provide you with just a few of options available.

Cut Out Meat

Those that are approaching a healthier life-style may have resort to purchasing grass-fed, pastured or hormone-free meats. However, eating healthy on a budget does not afford many this option because these types of meat are generally more expensive than is what is readily available at the neighborhood supermarkets. What people need to realize is that most American consume more meat than they need to. Therefore, it is possible to continue buying those pricier meats as long as you are willing to cut back on the amount you eat. Purchasing higher cost, quality meats but consuming less of them is a great way to cut costs.

Grains and Beans

To get the most for your buck, stock up on grains and beans. Grains and beans (or legumes) are an inexpensive addition to any meal and makes eating healthy on a budget a snap. Also, they contain a nutritional power punch. Grains and beans add the filling feeling most people expect to get from meat. As you begin to incorporate beans and grains into your recipes there are a few things you should keep in mind. Grains are all the same so they basically can all be prepared the same way. If you are accustomed to cooking rice, you are ready to try different grains. Give it a little jazz by adding fresh herbs and it will be a hit on the dinner table. If you are interested in making a lighter meals try experimenting with quinoa. It has a lighter texture. For a heavier meal, like breakfast or even an early dinner, give barley a try. It has a meatier feel. If you are an individual that often enjoys cooking but has a busy schedule stock up on canned beans. Canned beans are great for chili’s and soups as meat

Eating healthy on a budget does not require drastic diet changes or flavor sacrifice. Knowing which items can both include flavor and fulfillment to each dish will make meal planning easy and enjoyable. Include more grains and decrease the amount of meat in your recipes and your meals with keep your stomach and wallets happy and full. Enjoy the flavor you love while watch your families grow healthy and your savings increase. Invent new recipes, try new flavors and set a savings goal. These will make eating healthy on a budget more like a new journey and less of a necessity.