Not eating healthy because of a tight budget is NO LONGER AN EXCUSE. Stop blaming your poor eating habits on the fact that the burger is cheaper than the salad. No, get your booty to the grocery store and follow these simple tips and tricks to getting your appetite under control and headed in the right direction.
1. Buy whole foods
Proteins: Frozen chicken breast, canned tuna, ground beef/turkey, dairy products (Cottage cheese, eggs, milk, etc.) and whey.
Carbs: Pasta, rice, oats, quinoa, potatoes, beans, fruits, vegetables, etc.
Fats: Coconut/olive oil, fish oil, real butter, mixed nuts, etc.
Not every meal is an Instagram meal. The number one thing to keep in mind regarding your grocery shopping is that every meal does not have to be five stars. We can’t all afford to eat salmon and steak for dinner every day, so try and stay cheap using a few of these tips.
2. Buy frozen fruits and vegetables
Not only do they last longer than fresh produce, but chances are, you are getting more bang for your buck. This also allows your fruits and veggies to be blended up for a lighter snack instead of a heavy meal.
3. Buy generic food
When it comes to raw foods such as rice, pasta, dairy and produce, chances are the generic brands taste just like the brand name products once you get used to them.
4. Buy what is in season
Not only does it taste better but, once again, it’s cheaper. Root vegetables in the winter, apples & squash in the fall, and fruits and veggies in the summer.
5. Buy discounted meet
This often repulses many people solely for the title, but the only reason it's discounted is its expiration date. Buy the discounted meat and cook it up right away for meal prepping or freeze it for a bit and use it later.
6. Drink your damn tap water
Nothing irritates me more than hearing someone complain about how broke they are as they hand over $3 for a water every day during their lunch break. Invest in a Brita and a reusable water bottle.
The number one culprit when it comes to spending unnecessary money on food that honestly isn’t even that great for you is eating outside food. Make dinner and take your leftovers for lunch the next day. This saves you the hassle of spending more money than you did on groceries, and you know exactly what you are putting into your body.
Need some inspo on what to cook now? Check out these healthy options I cook regularly.
Baked chicken and broccoli with salt to taste with quinoa or brown rice. Need more flavor than that? Add some sautéed peppers for sweetness or black beans for some weight.
Shredded chicken crockpot with seasonings to your taste. Add black beans, brown rice, cilantro, avocado, all wrapped into a lettuce leaf.
Baked Brussel sprouts and sweet potato, with cauliflower, rice, and chicken of your choice.
Spaghetti squash with turkey meatballs and a light marinara sauce.
And for my personal favorite, salad wraps. Make a Caesar salad (light dressing) with chicken, tomatoes, olives, parmesan cheese wrapped tightly into a spinach tortilla.
Now, what healthy meals will you be making this week?