Most of us think that healthy eating on a budget is impossible, or downright tricky. Now, while certified organic foods and vegetables may well be more expensive than their non-organic cousins, there are still plenty of ways to have a healthier diet and reduce the grocery bill. Here’s how:
* Grow your own fruit, veges and herbs. Having your own vege patch is a great way to save money, have fresh produce, and better yet, know how the produce was treated. You do not need a huge yard to start growing. Many smaller veges including tomatoes, lettuce, strawberries, and herbs can all be grown in planters.
* Farmer’s markets are a much cheaper and fresher alternative than the large grocery shops. Generally, the produce has been picked just the day before, as opposed to some large chains who have produce in cold storage for months. Most farmers are happy to tell you what, if any, sprays they have used on their produce.
* End of the day for markets and shops in general is a great way to save money. Visit your local bakery just before closing and get your bread at half price. Markets will have end of day sales as well. The down side? You may not be able to purchase what you want.
* Cook from first principles. Making meals from scratch yourself is always going to be more cost effective and healthier. You are in control of the fat, salt, and sugar content. Make a big batch and freeze the leftovers.
* Substitute refined and processed foods for their whole grain cousins. Brown rice, wholemeal flour and pastas are more filling and provide a more stable blood sugar level than the overly processed white versions. You will fill up sooner and feel fuller for longer. The end result? You will end up eating less snacks and fattening after dinner treats.
* Join a co-op specialising in organic produce or fresh fruits and veges. The savings will be significant as will the variety of selections.
* Start a neighbourhood co-op or swap. Can’t get into a co-op? Growing too many potatoes in the back yard? Chooks laying too many eggs? Why not get a group of locals together and form your own co-op or neighbourhood swap? Not only will your produce bills be next to nothing, you will have a huge diversity to select from. With some careful planning, and with everyone growing different produce, you could all become quite self sufficient for fruit, veges and the like.
* Fresh is best. That apple or banana may look expensive on the shelf. However, it is actually cheaper than a muffin and coffee bought on the spur of the moment for breakfast on the run or morning tea, or the snack at the mall. Not only is it cheaper, it contains far more vitamins, minerals, fiber, and less fats.
* Fresh snacks. Stop buying cookies, muesli bars, breakfast bars, and chocolate bars. These products actually add up in cost, as well as calories and fats. Fresh fruits and vegetables generally have much lower glycemic indexes than packaged snacks. This will help prevent those afternoon cravings for sugar and those violent sugar swings that too many refined carbs can produce.
* Drink water. Water out of the tap is free. Nor only that, it has no calories, sugar, or fat grams. It will not rot your teeth. It is not full of artificial flavors, sweeteners or colors. If your local water supply is questionable, invest in a water filter system. The initial cost will soon be saved with not buying sodas and packaged drinks.
* Buy seasonal in bulk. Take a drive to the country and buy direct from the roadside. Boxes of fresh produce are hugely discounted. Go with friends and buy different produce and split it all up at the end of the day. Alternatively, cook, preserve, bottle, or freeze the excess for later on in the year.
There are many simple tips and strategies you can use to have a healthy diet and still cut the grocery bill. Healthy foods need not cost you a fortune. Organic food and produce may cost more, but in the long term, you may well recoup your money with savings on better health.