Eating Well on a Budget?

Many of us have made resolutions to eat healthier in the New Year. But with rising costs and tighter finances is it possible to eat well on a budget? What are the ways that we can shave a few dollars off the weekly grocery bill? The following tips have been suggested as ways to help you eat better and help manage costs.

• Eat at home more often.
• Plan meals in advance to avoid last minute less healthy “quick food” choices.
• Incorporate ingredients already located in your fridge, freezer and cupboards.
• Plan meals around weekly store specials.
• Stock up on sale items if space allows.
• Use coupons only for items that you already buy.
• Add more meatless meals. Meat is usually the most expensive part of a meal, but make sure to balance nutrients just the same.
• Use leftovers to save time and money.
• Eat before you go shopping, it helps prevent those impulse buys.
• Shop on the perimeter of the store to fill up on fresh fruits and vegetables, proteins and dairy.
• Look for bargains near the ends of aisles, and on upper and lower shelves. Items on eye level are usually more expensive.
• Compare unit prices of items to determine cost per item.
• Make your own single serving meals and snacks.

These are just a few of the ways that you can focus on eating healthier while managing costs. Pick a few and see how they fit into your routines. Incorporating small changes in your lifestyle until they become habits are a simple way to adopting a healthier lifestyle.

For more information on nutrition or other topics check out SIRC’s online resources.