I want to be on the see-food diet for the rest of my life. The diet entails that whatever food I see I must eat. I wish that were true. Due to having health problems, and weight issues my nutritionist has put me on a healthy diet. Eat healthy, live better. Yeah, say that to my wallet. The change has not only been difficult mentally and physically, but it too has changed my spending habits. Eating healthy can be very expensive but there are a few steps I learned along the way that might help you out.
Step 1: Get the whole family on board. You will save tons of money if you only have to cook one meal for everyone instead of individual meals. It will be tough at first, but they will all get used to the delicious Veggie Lasagna Nights.
Step 2: Stock up. Keep an eye out on bargains. Buy 2 get 2 free specials are always showing up in different grocery stores. You can never go wrong with too many veggies and fruits. You can even freeze certain foods to keep longer. But whatever you do, don’t you ever, ever, ever freeze tomatoes. Been there, done that.
Step 3: Cook from scratch. If you are going to start to eat healthy then the worst thing you can do is go out and pay three times more for something you can make at home. A typical salad at a restaurant is worth $12 bucks. You can make one at home for less than $5 bucks. Cook more food today to save and eat tomorrow.
Step 4: Coupons. Store flyers always have great deals. Most of the deals are for healthy food products. Pasta at time goes for 5 boxes for $5 dollars. While making a list, look to see if you can find coupons for them. Look online too.
Step 5: Mix it up. Eating healthy does not mean that you have to eat only green things. You can still eat a burger, hotdog, steaks, cakes, and pies. Just moderate the portions and make them from scratch. You will save lots of money. With a pound of ground turkey I can make 8 burgers or a meatloaf for only $9 bucks. Just add some salad on the side, and you’ve reduced your calorie and fat intake by 40%.
Step 6: Plant your future. Growing your own vegetables, fruits, and herbs will save you a lot of money. Plus it is a great way to get the family involved. Fresh products equal a fresh healthy life. I loved living in New York because of the weekly Farmer’s Market. A gathering of local farmers would sell their products at a great price. I purchased 8 organic red apples for $2 dollars. Look up information for local farmer’s markets. Learn how to make your own garden here.
Step 7: Know your stuff. A lot of people complain that it is very expensive to just eat vegetables. Some say that they spend up to $20 dollars on a salad. Where are they shopping? If you are on a budget then the last place you need be is in organic grocery stores like Trader Joe’s and Wholefoods. For $5 dollars I can get a head of lettuce, two tomatoes, and a cucumber. Cut them into four portions (two salads a day). That will last me for two days. So that is a total of $15 dollars a week for just salad.
Yes eating healthy can be tough like chewing on eggplants, but after a while your body and health will thank you for it, and by using the right salad dressing (fat free), you won’t even realize you’re on a diet. Your wallet will also get used to the new budget plan.