How to eat healthy without spending a lot of money?
21 de April, 2022
Eating healthily can seem challenging. Some people think that healthy recipes are more complex to make, that it’s difficult to know how to choose the right foods and that they are more expensive than other less balanced options. But eating healthier doesn’t have to be a blow to your wallet. There are some ways to ensure that you make healthier choices without spending a lot of money. Join us for some tips!
Plan your meals
Planning your meals in advance is essential if you don’t want to spend so much money. Make a plan of your week’s meals and, based on that, make a shopping list of what you need. Look in your fridge and pantry for what you already have and only buy what you know you’ll use (sticking to your shopping list will help you avoid spending money on unnecessary products). Don’t buy more perishable products than you expect to use.
Don’t go shopping hungry
If you’re hungry while you’re shopping, it’s very likely that you’ll end up buying something on impulse. And it’s possible that this impulse won’t lead you to the healthier options, but to cakes, sweets, cookies or other processed foods. Not only will you spend more money, but you’ll also spend it on foods that are not very nutritious.
Opt for home cooking
By preparing your own meals, you have greater control over the food you use and also the quantities you eat. In this way, you can ensure that the meals you and your family eat are balanced. When there are leftovers, try to reuse them for other meals and this will allow you to get even more value for money.
Focus on healthier choices
This applies when you go shopping, but also when you eat out (be it breakfast, lunch, snack or dinner). Try to avoid less nutritious foods such as cookies, potato chips, salty snacks, pre-cooked meals (pizza, lasagne, burgers) or other processed foods high in salt, sugar or saturated fats. These products contain unhealthy ingredients that should be avoided. Instead, you should focus on fruit and vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, whole foods, without added sugars and rich in protein. When it comes to drinks, opt for water instead of soft drinks.
Try other sources of protein
Protein-rich foods are an important source of energy for our bodies and for many of our brain’s functions. We often associate protein only with meat and fish, but there are other protein-rich foods that you can include in your diet. This diversity will allow you to eat a more balanced diet and also, in some cases, save money by not buying so much meat or fish. There are some plant-based proteins – soy, tofu, seitan, lentils – that are just as nutritious, easier to prepare and often more affordable.
Buy seasonal products
Buying seasonal food isn’t just cheaper. It also means you’re buying fresher, tastier and more nutritious food. And that’s much better for your diet than eating out-of-season food (which isn’t usually produced by local producers and therefore travels longer distances to reach your home).
If you get the chance, make your own
Even if you don’t live in a house and don’t have a lot of space for a vegetable garden, if you have space on your balcony you can still get some pots and grow your own fruit or vegetables (tomatoes, onions, garlic, herbs, strawberries and much more). Buying seeds for planting is quite affordable. And in the medium to long term you’ll be able to save some money on buying the food you already grow at home. What’s more, you can ensure the quality of what you’re consuming.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet is a key element in promoting your health and well-being. And the healthiest options are not necessarily the most expensive. By considering these tips, you’ll be able to have a richer, more nutritious diet within your budget. Do you already follow any of these ideas? Do you have any others that you adopt? Tell us all about it!