How do you eat the healthiest foods without hurting your wallet?
Having a wholesome, well stocked pantry and fridge is one of the easiest ways to ensure your health stays on track. Eating healthily, however, can come with a hefty price tag – particularly when you throw the latest ‘superfoods‘ into the mix.
But it doesn’t need to be this way. Here are some simple tips that can help you makeover your kitchen without blowing the budget.
1. Game plan
Having a shopping game plan is key. Going to the shops and wandering mindlessly through the food aisles is time that could be better spent making magic in the kitchen.
Making a list can help you focus on the items you need and avoid overspending.
Write a basic meal plan for the week, check what you already have in the fridge and pantry, and write a list of what you need to buy fresh from the shops.
Sticking to the plan means you will only buy healthy ingredients and it minimises the risk of impulse purchases.
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Buying fruits and vegetables in season can save you tons.
2. Shop seasonal
Using ingredients that are in season is more economical because the products aren’t sourced from abroad. You will also be supporting local industry and the food is more nutritious because it isn’t covered in additional chemicals to see it through the shipping process.
Cook ahead and freeze healthy meals such as soups and stew.
Seasonal fruits and veggies to get your mitts on this winter include apples, bananas, grapefruit, mandarins, lemons, oranges, broccoli, brussel sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, fennel, mushrooms, silverbeet, kale and spinach.
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3. Prep by portion
Purchasing items in bulk, such as larger cuts of meat, may feel unnecessary and expensive at the time, but it will definitely save you money in the long run. You can divide the meat into portions and store it in the freezer until required.
Alternatively, you can cook up a big batch of nourishing stew or soup on a Sunday, portion it into containers and simply pull them out of the freezer in the coming weeks. It’s a no brainer for saving your health, your time and your dollars.
4. Get Stocked
A well stocked wholefoods fridge and pantry is the path to a healthy diet. If good foods are on hand there is less of an excuse to reach for unhealthy ones and it means there are lots of ingredients to get creative with your meals. When you see dry goods on sale (quinoa, rice, buckwheat, lentils etc), try to grab extra to keep in store.
5. Prioritise plants
Plants (vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds) are the top of the food chain, so make them a priority on your shopping list.
Not only are they a rich source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fibre, carbohydrates, amino acids and fats, they’re also incredibly economical. For every meal, aim to fill three quarters of your plate with vegetables and one quarter with protein.
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