#121 How To Eat Healthy On A Budget

I think it’s true that eating healthier is more expensive, which seems so unfair. But you can still eat healthy on a budget. Here are a few tips to help.

1. Don’t Eat Out

OK I had to make this number 1, because LOTS of people complain to me about how they don’t have enough money to eat healthy, but then they eat for lunch everyday, get takeaway dinners or get coffees everyday (getting a coffee everyday can add up too!). Sure doing a healthy grocery shop once per week may cost you around $100 or more, but buying your lunch Monday to Friday will end up costing you around $100, and you haven’t even bought food for breakfast, snacks and dinner yet. Grocery shopping may seem expensive, but it’s not expensive at all in comparison to the costs of dining out. If you don’t have a lot of money but you want to eat healthy, you must limit how much you eat out. Keep it as more of a treat or social thing. Don’t do it for convenience.

2. Don’t Buy Organic

Yup you heard that right. Organic food is definitely better for you, but is a lot more expensive. I must admit that I don’t buy organic because of the cost and it’s not 100% necessary.

3. Fruits And Vegetables

Seasonal fruit and vegetables will be cheaper so try to stick to these. Also try to buy fruit and vegetables that are on special. If you had bananas on your list for the week but they’re super expensive, choose a different fruit that is cheaper. Another alternative is to opt for frozen or canned fruit and vegetables. Just make sure they don’t have any added sugar or salt. Better yet, do your fruit and vegetable shopping at the markets to save extra $$$.

4. Grains

Certain types of breads (usually the ones that are healthy for you!) are quite expensive. So if this is the case, I suggest you don’t buy bread! Other grains such as brown rice and oats are a lot cheaper. If you don’t eat many grains like myself, then even better!

5. Protein

Ok yes meat is expensive, especially the good stuff. Find the bargains! Every time I go grocery shopping there are several meats on special. Buy those. Buy in bulk when it’s really cheap and freeze them.

Other sources of protein such as eggs, milk, yoghurt and beans are really cheap.

6. Foods To Avoid

These “health” foods (just to name a few) can be pretty costly. If you’re really trying to cut back on your spending, you can leave these out.

• Nuts
• Nut butters
• Dates
• Quinoa
• Coconut oil
• Chia seeds
• Almond meal
• Coconut flour
• Coconut sugar
• Almond milk
• Rice malt syrup / honey

Article written by Rachael Attard

Rachael is an Australian born certified personal trainer and nutritionist who holds a Bachelor degree in Science.

After struggling for years to find an exercise and diet program that is tailored to women striving for lean and toned body with no bulk she designed her Lean Legs Program. This program is tailored to each body type and focused on helping women get toned but feminine bodies, without getting bulky.

Her mission is to empower women and help them stay in shape in a healthy and balanced way.