Save Money By Eating Healthy

If your grocery budget isn’t going as far as it used to and you think eating healthy is too expensive, like many other people in Alexandria, VA, the cost of food, whether junk or nutritious, has risen. You don’t have to trade your health for affordable prices. You can save money while creating meals packed with nutrient-dense food. It’s all about choosing food wisely and planning.

Start by planning meals for the week.

Meal planning can keep you on the road to good health, weight loss, and affordable prices. You plan a week’s meals one day, shop for the food another, and cook all the food for the week on your day off work. Make sure you plan for snacks, too. Use the food in several ways. If you made baked chicken for one meal, use the chicken to make a chicken salad or casserole for another. The bones and other leftover meat can be part of a soup. Chop vegetables for side dishes and snacks. Use the leftovers for soups on the last day. Nothing goes to waste. Pack it in individual servings for the week’s meals.

Have a meatless Monday.

You don’t have to stick with one day of meatless meals. You can do several meatless days. Make burritos, Buddha bowls, and black bean soup from leftovers. Multi-vegetable soup from leftovers is another nutritious option. Squash lasagna is another option. You can use frozen spinach to save money and time. Create combinations like red beans and rice to get complete proteins.

Create your menus using this formula.

Protein can be the most expensive part of a meal if you want animal protein. Chicken, ground beef, organ meats, cheese, and eggs are the cheapest. Add in several vegetables. They don’t have to be fresh. Frozen vegetables are often fresher. They’re picked at peak ripeness and frozen. Fresh vegetables and fruit are picked early and spend time during shipping and on the shelf. Canned vegetables will save money but may have additives. Read the label. If they’re high in sodium, rinse them thoroughly before using. The final step is filling starch or carbs like rice, potatoes, or beans.

• If you buy fresh vegetables, go to the local farmer’s market and use in-season veggies and fruit to save money. You can save even more by planning your meals around local grocery sales.
• Cut the calories in your pasta and add extra nutrients using a spiralizer or spaghetti squash. Instead of store-bought sauce that contains sugar, use seasoned canned tomatoes and boil it down. Favorites are often chili-ready and Italian-spiced.
• Stick with water instead of soft drinks. Buy in bulk, especially rice and beans. Double recipes and freeze meals ahead. Eat before you shop for groceries and use coupons when possible.
• Save money by doing some work yourself. Instead of grated cheese, buy block cheese and grate it when needed. It lasts longer, is healthier, and costs less. If you buy discounted fresh vegetables, prepare them for freezing immediately or use them that night or the next.

For more information, contact us today at Team Worx Fitness