6 Clever Tips to Buy Healthy Food on a Budget

When you are trying to eat healthily, most of your budget will go on food. In fact, Americans spend 9.7% of their entire paycheck on food, statistics show.  But, what if we told you that it is possible to spend far less on healthy food if you know the right tricks? That’s right, healthy food doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of tactics you can use to save money and keep your body in tip-top shape. Here we will show you exactly how to make it possible. These are a few options you might want to try. 

Get Fruits and Veggies in Season, and Freeze Them

The price for fresh produce can add up pretty quickly. Off-season products cost a lot more. That’s why Natalie Rizzo, a nutritional expert, suggests you buy berries, watermelon, or corn in the summer. They will be much cheaper even than apples. Since the market will be stocked on watermelon in the summer, they will be more affordable to get. So, you might want to buy whatever you need in bulk and freeze them for later. 

Get Your Hands on Beans

Beans are rich in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, but they are also very inexpensive to get. Regardless of whether you pick canned or dried beans, you can save a lot of money and still get plenty of protein and iron. They will make an excellent addition to your meals. 

Collect Coupons and Look for Special Sales

Coupons for fresh fruits and veggies do exist. They may be a little trickier to get, but once you get the hang of couponing, you’ll be on the right track. Check the newspaper, apply for a newsletter, etc. If you like to save some time, check the sale signs in the supermarket you go to. Sometimes fruits and veggies in bulk go on sale. So, always keep an eye out for discounts. 

Skip the Organic

While organic food is excellent for avoiding pesticides, it is the most expensive food to get. You will be spending a lot more money and you won’t be able to afford anything else. Instead, it might be a good idea to have a chat with a local farmer. Ask them if they have a product they can bargain for. 

You Don’t Need Dressing

There is no need to spend big on salad dressings. There is a much cheaper way you can get a similar result. All you have to do is mix some spices, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil, and you will get a mouth-watering salad. The best thing about it is, you’ve made it from scratch and you didn’t have to spend half of what you initially would. 

Make Meat a Treat

One of the most costly parts of buying food is stocking up on meat. Yes, it is good for the body when eaten in moderate amounts, but if you want to save a few bucks, it’s better to make it a rare treat. Instead, opt for legumes, eggs, and beans. They are packed with protein and don’t cost as much. If you do want to get some meat, it’s a good idea to look for the tougher cuts, suggests the NHS. They are a little bit on the cheaper side. 

Conclusion

There is no need to go over your budget to eat good food. As long as you know what can make the cut, you’ll always make it work. Of course, you can give yourself a “cheat day”, from time to time, and enjoy a nice treat. Besides, we all deserve a little pampering once in a while.