Eating Well on a Budget
When it comes to eating, you should try to eat well. The expense of eating well could hold people back from leading a healthy life. Remember the three P's:
Plan
- Plan meals and snacks for the week according to an established budget.
- Locate quick and easy recipes online before shopping.
- Find meals that will "stretch" expensive food items such as casseroles or stews.
- Create a grocery list before heading to the grocery store.
- Check for sales or coupons.
- Ask about a loyalty card at your local grocer.
Purchase
- Do not buy groceries when you are rushed or hungry.
- Stick to your grocery list.
- If cheaper, buy store brands.
- Purchase some items in bulk. This is usually cheaper in the long run.
- Choose fresh fruit that are in season.
- Look for low cost items that are available all year. These items include black beans, greens, carrots, potatoes, apples or bananas.
Prepare
- Pre-cook on days when you have time.
- Double up on recipes and freeze meal-sized containers of soups and casseroles.
- Try a few meatless meals by substituting with beans or peas.
- Try no-cook meals like salad.
- Incorporate leftovers into a subsequent meal.
