Eating healthy can often seem difficult for those on a limited budget but it can be easy with a few little changes. Follow this handy guide and you’ll save the pennies and enjoy a healthier lifestyle.
Create a meal plan
This is a great way to avoid impulse purchases or buying unnecessary items that have a big impact on your weekly shopping budget. By choosing exactly what meals will be eaten throughout the week, you know the exact ingredients that are needed. Don’t be tempted to add little extras or treats. And never shop whilst hungry. With that temporary lack of willpower, you’ll be reaching for those fatty snacks.
Don’t be wasteful
Buying too much fruit and vegetables only to be thrown away when they pass their sell by date, is a mistake we all make. Becoming a little stricter with your buying habits can avoid this problem and save some of your hard earned cash. Only buy foods which you know will be eaten. Always refer to your meal plan and you can’t go wrong. Freezing food is the best way to have ingredients available at all times without worrying about waste. Frozen fruit and vegetables are not only cheaper than the fresh alternative, they’re also great quality, only frozen at the time of peak freshness, providing optimum nutrition. And best of all, you’ll never waste any food as you will only use what is needed.
Make leftovers
Always cook an extra-large portion for your evening meal, saving some for the following day. Include plenty of low cost ingredients such as vegetables to add bulk to the more expensive ingredients such as chicken and fish. Using pressure cookers is a hassle free way to make large quantities of food without much preparation or actual cooking required. These are nifty little devices that you can often pick up for a bargain at retailers like Tesco. A healthy casserole or soup can be used the next day for lunch or frozen for another time. It also provides a quick and nutritious meal in the future without having to spend hours cooking.
Introduce new foods
Ditching the sugary and salty snacks in favor of some healthier options could make meal time more enjoyable. Pulses such as lentils, peas and beans are a great example. They’re very inexpensive, low in fat and have a whole host of vitamins. They’re also delicious and can be the perfect complement to spicy dishes such as curry and chili con carne.
Next time you’re reaching for that frozen pizza or ready meal, think again. Enjoying a nutritious meal can be affordable, make you feel great and have long lasting health benefits.