Can You Eat Healthy on a Budget?

Growing up, I remember my mom having a weekly budget for groceries. She would plan out her menus in advance, and go to three different grocery stores every Friday to find the best deals. She was a smart shopper who got the most use out of her money. We would always have a good mix of fresh and frozen veggies.

If you are thinking, "How did she do that" or "I don't know where to start," you are not alone. Many clients have asked me the same question, "How can I eat healthy when fruits and veggies are so expensive?" Here are my top tips for fitting fruits and veggies into your budget.

1) Plan, plan, plan

Decide what meals you will have for breakfast, lunch and supper and make a list of items you need. If you are buying fresh fruit or veggies, plan on using them in more than one meal so they will be used up.

2) Buy frozen

Frozen fruits and veggies are generally cheaper than fresh and last longer.

3) Keep fresh produce at eye level in your refrigerator.

Don't shove fresh produce in the crisper drawers; it will tend to be forgotten. Keeping it where you see it when you open the refrigerator will make you more likely to eat it.

4) Prepare fresh produce.

Cut up veggies and fruit and put in grab and go baggies. You and your family will be more likely to eat them if they are ready to eat.

5) Limit processed food

Sure, processed food is quick and convenient and lasts forever, but it can put a considerable dent in your budget. If you are used to buying premade mac and cheese, frozen tv dinners, frozen chicken nuggets, then you are paying for the extra convenience. With a little planning, you can make the same dishes homemade, and they will taste a whole lot better.

6) Cut out junk

Cutting out foods like soda, chips, cookies, and prepackaged goodies will save you money and trim your waistline. A friend of mine was up to six sodas a day when she decided to quit. That alone saved her approximately $21 a week.

7) Use meat as the side, not the main course.

For example, if you buy chicken breasts, use one chicken breast for two people instead of one. Turn your mindset into making veggies your main course.