Swapping high-cost food items for healthier, delicious options that are easy on your wallet is simpler than it may seem. Check out the following seven tips to eat well without breaking the bank:
- Grow your own herbs. If you have a windowsill at home, you have space for a 365 day-a-year herb garden. Avoid spending extra money on basil, dill, parsley, chives, and many other herbs by growing your own at home.
- Prepare plant-based protein. Beans, ancient grains (such as quinoa, freekeh, millet, farro, and more), edamame, and tofu are a lot less expensive than animal-based protein sources. Not sure about taste? Try exploring some of the great vegan recipes out there!
- No name-brands, no problem. Wholesome, nutritious food products with a lesser-known brand label are often prepared with the same ingredients as their more-expensive counterparts.
- Buy in-season. Fruits and vegetables that are in season are often cheaper and available in bulk quantities. If you’re paying a lot, chances are it’s for out-of-season produce that needed to be shipped from thousands of miles away.
- For veggies, frozen is fine. Most of the veggies you’ll find in your grocer’s freezer section are flash frozen at the point of harvest. Frozen vegetables give you the same nutritional quality as fresh produce, usually at a lower price.
- Look for markdowns and clearance items. Supermarkets will often place quality products and fresh meat options at a discount when they’re nearing their “sell by” dates. To get even more value, buy with quantity in mind and freeze for later.
- Plan ahead. If you wander into the grocery store unprepared and hungry, you’re much more likely to impulse-buy and overspend. Have a light snack before you leave home, and create a grocery list so you know exactly what you’re looking for.
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