Healthy eating is possible even if you are living on a budget or struggling financially. The idea that eating healthy requires more money is inaccurate. It is possible for families on SNAP food stamps to eat fresh, healthy food.
Many people choose to buy cheaper packaged, processed foods or go to a drive through because they think it is a less expensive way to eat, especially for larger families. The main downside to this food convenience is that it can lead to poor health, lower immunity, obesity and various other potential lifestyle problems. If you frequently use drive-thrus like McDonalds, the monthly costs can start to add up quickly. It’s easy to spend more on fast food than you would on a regular grocery bill.
A healthy diet does not have to be expensive or difficult to maintain. You can do it by thinking ahead, being disciplined, and being creative. Shopping at cheaper stores or with coupons can help save money for a low income family. These stores also allow the use of EBT food stamp cards.
There are some easy ways to make healthy eating choices that can also help save money on groceries each month. You don’t need to diet or not eat certain foods and it does not cost a lot of money to do this. You don’t have to do drastic things or spend a lot of money to improve your life. Making small, incremental changes in your daily routine is the best way to form healthy habits that will benefit you and your family in the long run.
Cut back on sugary drinks by having one or two fewer per day, or by drinking half of what you normally would. Instead of drinking 8oz of juice or soda, drink 4oz and gradually start to phase them out. This will save money and calories. If you feel deprived, you can have “treats” on occasion instead of every day.
To stay hydrated, you should drink half your body weight in ounces of water each day. You do not need to buy bottled water, which is often much more expensive than tap water. You can get free water by turning on a tap!
If you drink enough water, it will improve your overall health and make you feel more alert mentally. This can lead to better job opportunities and more money! Adding lemon and lime will give it flavor and added Vitamin C. Make sure you drink enough water throughout the day by carrying a large water bottle with you.
Whenever possible, try to buy fruits and vegetables that are in season. This is because they are usually more plentiful and cheaper. items that can typically be purchased using SNAP food stamps at local farmer’s markets Also, to save money on groceries, buy items that are available during that time of year as that can greatly reduce a household’s bills.
There are many types of produce that are more affordable during certain times of the year. For example, blueberries, strawberries, watermelon and corn are usually more affordable during the spring and summer months, while vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli and sweet potatoes are usually more affordable during cold weather months. All of these ingredients are easy to use in recipes and can be used in many different ways.
Reduce meat consumption by eating meatless one day a week. This often saves money as meat prices continue to increase. This is a way for families with less money to get food for their family. You can make an affordable and delicious meal for your family with just a dozen eggs, two diced up sweet potatoes, one bag of fresh spinach, and one large onion, all for under $10. Eggs are also super easy to prepare, so dinner can be ready in no time.
Adding avocado to your diet is a good way to get healthy fats that your body needs. The average cost for an avocado is $1-$2. They can be eaten with tuna, eggs, pasta or even on a piece of multigrain bread. They are a versatile food that can be paired with many different toppings.
Change to sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes as they are often cheaper and have many healthy benefits. You can make sweet potato dishes either sweet or savory by adding butter or cinnamon, or you can slice or dice them and bake them in the oven at 425 degrees for a healthy side dish of complex carbohydrates.
To get a nice amount of satisfying protein, buy plain Greek yogurt (Chobani typically sells for $1 each) and add blueberries, honey or a tablespoon of peanut butter. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on sales at major retailers for Yogurt items. If you want to eliminate calories and unhealthy fats, you can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream or mayo.
Make sure to clean and chop your produce after grocery shopping and store it in the fridge so it is ready to go. It often reduces waste and therefore monthly grocery bills. It may take some time and effort to do, but once it’s done, you don’t have to do it again for the rest of the week.
Casseroles made with multi-grain pasta or quinoa, in-season vegetables (such as broccoli/cauliflower), or beans (like kidney or black beans) are easy to make and can serve a large family or provide leftovers for smaller families. Eating leftovers can help reduce your monthly grocery bill. You can eat the same meal for dinner a couple nights a week or bring in leftovers for lunch without any problems. It is cheaper, quicker and doesn’t use any unneeded food.
Whenever possible, bring your own lunch to work and have takeout coffee as an occasional treat. This can help a family with a low income or who is struggling to make ends meet to save money for other essential expenses. If you spend $2-$4 on coffee every day, or buy lunch every day, that adds up to a lot of money over time. Bringing your lunch to work instead of buying it can save you money.
Find healthy recipes online. To find free coupons, you can search online or ask retailers directly. You can also look for coupons in newspapers, magazines, and other print media. Sometimes, coupons are available through loyalty programs or rewards programs. There is a lot of information on how to eat on a budget and how to make simple, easy, healthy recipes. To find healthy eating and easy recipes options, simply add these terms to your Google search. You will then be presented with a variety of results to choose from. You can find discounts on www.needhelppayingbillsdiscounts.com
In conclusion, eating healthy and budgeting for food takes awareness, discipline and effort—all of which are worth it to save money and maintain the health of the family. Even families with low incomes or who are working poor can still afford to eat healthy and nutritious food.
eating healthy can help prevent many health problems, which can save time and money on doctor visits, medications, and lost wages from sick days. You will feel great mentally and physically from taking ownership of your life and lifestyle choices.