So a big concern of most people when they decide to switch
to a healthy lifestyle is the cost.
There is a common misconception that if you live a healthy lifestyle
that it will break the bank. While a
healthy lifestyle is definitely more costly, it does not have to break your
bank. Below I will give a couple of tips
of how to maintain a healthy menu while still saving money.
- Buy in
bulk when necessary
So this is my number one way that
I save money. I shop at Costco or other
bulk warehouse stores to buy food that won’t spoil very easily or have long
expiration date such as (brown/black rice, quinoa, frozen veggies, natural
sweeteners, and etc.) The cost of the
product may seem costly up front; however, it is cheaper per serving than
buying it at a regular grocery store.
Additionally, most of these items come in resealable bags.
- Stock
pile
Items that I cannot get a good
deal on at bulk stores I stockpile on at grocery stores. For instance, when all-natural chicken breast
goes on sale at my local grocery store (which for me is anything less than
$1.99/lb) I buy at least 5lbs. When I
get this meat (depending on the grocer) I try to get it prepackaged into 1lb
increments so that I don’t have to repackage the meat once opened. I usually stock pile meats and seafood when
they go on sale since the prices can be unpredictable.
- Find a
healthy eating buddy
An important factor in helping
this process is having a healthy eating buddy.
This helps in two ways (1) motivation and support and (2) splitting the
cost. If you have a healthy eating
buddy, you guys can schedule grocery shopping trips to help keep each other
accountable and also split items that may be costly. You could use tips 1 and 2 and split the cost
of the food with a buddy in case you are limited on space or if you fear
wasting food.
- Make a
plan and stick with it
Now the most important thing is to
make a plan and to stick with it. I make
a grocery list every week and I only buy enough fresh groceries that will last
for the week. In order to avoid food
spoilage I decide what fresh foods I will eat and for which meals. After sitting down and making a plan, you
have to stick with it. Don’t buy
groceries then eat out all week. That’s
how you throw away money. Stay focused
and you will save money and get the health benefits.
