How To Eat Well On A Budget

Eating well is an integral part of your overall health, but living within your means is also essential. Sure, eating healthy can be expensive if you’re only shopping at Whole Foods and buying specialty items. But with a little bit of strategy, you can stay within a budget and fill your cart with delicious, healthy options.

First, if you can swing it, we highly recommend investing in a Costco membership. There is a fee to join, but it is worth the money you save in the long term. They have organic produce, fresh and frozen meats, and pre-made options like poke and salads. Buying from Costco also allows you to purchase in bulk, which is a huge money saver. Just make sure to go in with a plan so you don’t find yourself tossing random things into the cart. Another great option is Trader Joe’s. They are a bit of a specialty store in the sense that not every city has one, but if you’ve got one nearby, you can find lots of fresh and frozen food that is extremely budget-friendly. 

A great money-saving option we love is to shop at your local farmer’s market. You can find really great produce that’s not only fresh, but in season, which is optimal. If you’re looking for the best bargain, try showing up about an hour before they close. Some vendors will toss in a little extra if it’s the end of the day and they’re trying to clear out their produce. It’s not a for-sure thing, but regardless you’ll be getting a deal in comparison to your local grocery store, and you’ll also support local farmers in the process. 

Of course, you can still work with a budget at your local store if you’re short on time or don’t have access to other places. When it comes to produce, picking seasonal items will provide big savings. If you want ingredients that aren’t in season, try hitting the frozen aisle. You’ll save money and still get a compatible amount of vitamins and nutrients from them. When it comes to things like beans and grains, go for generic over name brands. Typically in these types of food products, you’re paying for a label more than anything else, so don’t get tricked into paying more for the same thing wrapped up in pretty packaging.

Part of eating healthy on a budget is also knowing where to spend a little more. Certain items like eggs, milk, and animal products can taste vastly different based on quality. If you’re going to splurge, you’ll want it to be within these categories. Go for wild, grass-fed, and pasture-raised whenever you can. When the animal is healthy, it positively affects the food’s quality, health, and flavor. Skip the “health food” bars, drinks, and supplements and put that money toward high-quality unprocessed foods instead. 

You deserve to fuel your body with delicious, nourishing foods no matter what your budget is. We hope this encourages you to buy with confidence and consciousness!