Let’s be honest. Eating healthy can sometimes be, well, expensive. And when you’re on a tight budget, that package of affordable, tasty ramen noodles is sounding better and better. But what if we told you that there are actually ways to save money and still buy the healthy food you’re looking for? Here’s how to eat healthy on a budget!
Tips for eating healthy on a budget
1. Meal planning is everything
Meal planning can not only make or break healthy eating progress, but it can also help save money! By planning meals at the beginning of the week, there won’t be as many last-minute costly convenience food decisions.
Use this meal planner to stay on track and make the most of your week!
2. Make detailed grocery lists
Once the weekly meal plan is made, make a detailed grocery list that includes everything you will need for the week. Following this grocery list will help avoid adding “extras” to your shopping and ultimately help save money!
Note: purchasing groceries from an online source like Thrive Market can cut healthy food costs by up to 50%!
3. Batch cook meals
Making big batches of healthy meals and eating leftovers throughout the week saves on time and money. Try out this Vegan Chili recipe, these Skinny Creamy Chicken Enchiladas, or this Healthy Sloppy Joes recipe!
4. Purchase frozen fruits and vegetables
Another eating healthy on a budget tactic? Purchase frozen fruits and vegetables instead of fresh when they’re out of season. Fresh produce can be costly out of season, so this is a great way to cut costs!
5. Eat less meat
One of the best ways to save money on food is to eat less meat. Considering reducing meat by only eating it every other day or a couple of times a week! Instead, focus on getting protein and nourishment through vegetarian sources, such as eggs, lentils, chickpeas, beans, grains, and green peas.
6. Learn which healthy foods are the cheapest
Here are some of our favorite cost-effective healthy foods:
- Beans
- Brown Rice
- Eggs
- Bananas
- Whole Wheat Bread
- Lentils
- Potatoes
- Oats
- Canned Tuna
- Canned Tomatoes
- Frozen Fruit
- Frozen Vegetables
7. Keep quick, healthy meals on hand
No one’s perfect, and sometimes life happens. Having quick, healthy options on hand (such as frozen meals or canned soup) are great for last-minute, unplanned meals and can help avoid a costly fast food trip!
8. Make affordable healthy recipes
Healthy recipes don’t always have to use expensive ingredients! Here are some of our favorite affordable recipes for healthy eating:
- Healthy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole
- The BEST Coconut Lentil & Chickpea Curry
- Simple Healthy Banana Bread Recipe
- Classic Peanut Butter Oatmeal Smoothie
- Simple Green Goodness Chickpea Salad
- 10-Minute Healthy Banana Pancakes
- Meal Prep Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls
- Easy Vegetarian Baked Ziti Recipe
- 10-Minute Margherita Pita Bread Pizzas
- 5-Minute Spinach Vegetarian Quesadillas
- Vegan Loaded Mashed Potato Bowls
- Easy 30-Minute Chicken Fried Rice
Angela says:
These are all such great tips! Eating healthy doesn’t have to be expensive!!
Amy Gorin says:
Meal planning is everything, for sure! I can’t go into the week without a plan!
Abby Langer says:
I love batch cooking! Even better when my kids help :).
Deborah Brooks says:
Sticking to a food budget can be really challenging. Often times healthier fruits and veggies cost a lot more. Meal planning sure does help