#HealthBytes: A few tips to eat healthy while saving money
If you think that eating healthy is equivalent to an increase in expenses, you are wrong. In fact, healthy eating is simple, can be done on a budget and requires just about the right amount of planning for preparing the meals in advance. Read on for a few easy tips to follow to have nutritious meals even if you are on a tight budget.
First step: Plan your meals in advance
Planning your meal is a great way to save money. At the beginning of every week, make meal plans for the next seven days and list down everything you need to prepare those meals. Make sure to check your cabinets so that you purchase only those items that you don't have. This is an excellent method to make use of everything you have.
Buy all the basics, like dried beans, lentils, in bulk
Buying your groceries in bulk can save you a lot of money. Dried beans and lentils are excellent for your health and can also be safely stored for up to two years. Oats are another healthy option that have a long shelf life. As for vegetables and fruits, make a list at the beginning of every week and stock on what is required.
Frozen veggies are easier to cook and last longer
Frozen vegetables are easier to prepare than fresh ones and they tend to last longer when stored in the refrigerator. In fact, there is evidence (although contradictory) that vegetables like broccoli, spinach and peas are healthier when purchased frozen. Further, frozen vegetables are just the right choice for budget shoppers as they often cost about half as much as fresh vegetables.
Do not shop when you are hungry
Shopping when you're hungry leads you to grab unhealthy food. In fact, studies suggest that shoppers who are hungry tend to make unhealthier food choices and are inclined toward purchasing high-calorie foods. This means that when you're hungry, you may load up your cart with a lot more food than what your body really needs. This inevitably leads to more expenditure and poorer nutrition.
