Healthy Eating on a Budget

Is it Too Expensive to Eat Healthily?

by Jenn Gashinski, RD

Yes, some healthy food like fresh fish and produce out of season can be expensive. However some of our ‘not so healthy’ foods can be pricey as well.

When grocery shopping, focus on buying the healthy foods first then, if you can afford to, purchase treats such as ice cream, etc. … not the other way around! Making your own healthy meals at home instead of eating at restaurants is a great way to save money too. (There are plenty of free recipes online that help bust the myth that cooking has to be difficult and time-consuming.)

Five More Tips to Fit Healthy Foods into your Grocery Budget:

Make a weekly meal plan and base it on the grocery store specials. This way you can plan to eat healthy foods during the week as well as getting a discount. Are strawberries on sale? Great, then that can be part of your snack throughout the week.
Frozen or canned foods can be just as nutritious as fresh. These foods are picked and then packaged at their peak ripeness to lock in nutrition. Make sure frozen food does not have any added sugar or sauces and give canned vegetables and fruit a rinse under water to reduce the salt and sugar. Better yet, look for low sodium and sugar options.
Buying whole grains such as quinoa or oatmeal in bulk can be cost efficient. Take a look at local bulk stores and bulk food aisles.
Growing your own produce is a great way to have fresh vegetables at home. You may not have room for a garden, but foods such as tomatoes and fresh herbs do well in pots on patios or balconies.
Visit a farmers market to get deals on fresh, local food. The Wellness Institute Farmers Market will be open Tuesdays, from 9:30am-2:00pm, until September 26. Fresh veggies, honey, baking and meats are a few of the items you can look forward to.

Eating healthy is a great investment in your wellness and your body will thank you!