Contrary to what you may have heard, you do not have to abandon healthy eating because nutritious foods are more expensive. While increasing everyone’s access to healthful food is the objective, here are some tips for eating healthily on a budget.
Heather Adams, a Seattle-based meditation and wellness instructor, and author, told Health that healthy food should not be more expensive. Uncut fruits and veggies can fill a bowl and a stomach for less money than many prepared dishes.
Methods for Eating Healthy on a Budget
Still, consuming a balanced diet can be costly for individuals with food insecurity. For many low-income families, access to nutritious foods remains a challenge.
A USDA research published in June 2021 indicated that 88% of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants had difficulty obtaining a healthy diet. The expense of healthy eating was cited by 61% of participants as the leading factor.
- Make a grocery list based on the meals scheduled for the week and stick to it to prevent making impulse purchases.
- Buying things in bulk, such as rice, grains, nuts, and dried fruit, can result in long-term cost savings.
- Seasonal fruits and vegetables are typically less expensive and of higher quality than those that are not in season.
- Starting a vegetable garden at home can be a cost-effective method to obtain fresh, nutritious food.
- Cooking at home is typically less expensive and healthier than eating out or purchasing prepackaged food.
- Utilize coupons and discounts: Look for coupons and deals on nutritious foods in grocery stores and online.
Think about alternate sources: Farmers’ markets, food co-ops, and community-supported agriculture initiatives can be cost-effective methods of acquiring fresh, nutritious food.
- What are some creative ways you have found to save money while prioritizing healthful food choices?
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