Meal planning is the best way to optimize your budget for food and it is also a good way to choose the healthiest foods you can get out of your prepared budget.
They said eating healthy may cost more because you have to choose those foods that are high in nutrients. This may be true but there are also ways on how to have a healthy food laid on your table even if you have a tight budget.
Here are some tips on how to have a healthy meal with a lesser budget.
1. Write down all the things that you need before going to the grocery store. For example: Raw products like meat, eggs, vegetables, packed food ingredients, cooking oil, seasonings. Once you have your list, stick to it. This is one way to avoid impulsive buying.
2. Choose In-season products and stock it up in your freezer or chiller. These In-season products are mostly vegetables and fruits.
3. Buy those meats that have lesser cost but still with good quality. Less expensive meats are cuts that aren't good or smaller parts, such as chicken wings or thighs.
4. Buy those generic foods. Some goods are priced lesser because they have a simple packaging with not so famous brands. Many foods are expensive because of the brand and the packaging, but has the same value with those with lesser prices.
5. Try bulk buying because the more pieces you buy, the bigger the discount you get averaging from 30 to 50 percent according to Mother Nature Network. Just make sure not to buy too many of those perishable goods that can last just for few days. Of course, you don't want to waste your money with just rotting uncooked foods.
6. Try to add whole grains and protein-rich beans in your diet. These kinds of foods can bulk up one meal. Some would get black beans and can cook it with some chicken or beef meat.
7. You can explore different food varieties like Asian foods where they eat rice paired with meat and vegetables. This is also a good choice if you want a rich in protein and carbohydrate meal.
8. Try to go to a farmers market. These are fresh fruits and vegetables that are sold but with no expensive packages. You can buy a dozen of one kind with a lesser price compared to grocery stores.
9. If you are hungry, don't just decide to eat outside in a diner or restaurant. Try to practice some fast cooking skills at home with those goods that you bought.
10. Grow your own vegetables or crops if you have space.
Growing your own food in your own place is not just going to save your budget but you are also making yourself healthy with the variety of vegetables you can plant and you also promote biodiversity according to Food Matters page.
