Feb 2, 2016

News & Views: From the Editors of Health

7 Ways a Nutritionist Saves Money on Healthy Food

February 1, 2016 | By Cynthia Sass, MPH, RD

Photo: Getty Images

Even though, as a nutritionist, I’d much quite spend money on good food than fancy clothes and mani-pedis, I still need to watch my grocery bills—especially since I split my time between Brand-new York City and LA, two of the most expensive cities in the country. Yet while health food has actually a reputation for being super pricey (Whole Foods isn’t nicknamed “Whole Paycheck” for nothing), studies have actually shown that nutritious diets can be absolutely affordable, and I couldn’t agree more. Below are my seven go-to tricks for filling my kitchens along with the healthiest possible fare, without blowing my budget.

Shop online

I often find my favorite staples for a lower cost on amazon.com than in my local market, especially when I purchase large quantities. For example, a 32-ounce bag of my go-to rolled oats, Bob’s Red Mill, costs about $7 at my supermarket. Yet when I buy four bags from amazon for $13, each bag is much less than half price. If you don’t go through food quickly enough to buy in bulk, think about splitting an order along with a friend.

Check the retailer’s prices

At my local grocery stores, Amrita’s Chocolate Maca, my favorite energy bar, costs anywhere from $3.50 to $3.99. Yet when I order an entire case directly from the company (amritahealthfoods.com), the price drops to $2.25 per bar. Plenty of healthy brands sell directly to consumers. And lots of companies will certainly send you special offers and discount codes to tips you save even more if you register online.

Clip coupons

Speaking of discounts, lots of natural and organic manufacturers offer printable coupons on their brand websites or retailer sites like Whole Foods. You can generally save anywhere from 50 cents to more than $1 per product, which adds up to big savings over time. I’ve additionally used organicdeals.com, which links directly to coupons for Whole Foods, Target, Trader Joe’s, and more. The last time I clicked through the site, I snagged $1.50 off two organic spice products, $1 off organic veggie broth, and $1 off organic dark chocolate. Score!

Choose organic store brands

Contrary to popular belief, buying organic doesn’t have actually to cost an arm and a leg. Most supermarket chains now offer store brand organic items, which can be a lot much less expensive than brand name goods. For example, Kroger grocery stores sell organic store brand pulses (beans, lentils, and peas) for $1 per can, which can be 80 cents much less than the non-organic brand name pulses on the next shelf.

Frequent your local farmer’s market

You probably already knew that local develop is super fresh, Yet did you know it can additionally helpful for your wallet? Since in-season fruits and veggies are plentiful, sellers at farmer’s markets often charge much less than grocery stores. As a bonus, you’ll be supporting area farms, and getting to know the people That grow your food. If you’re not sure when and where nearby farmer’s markets are held, check out localharvest.org.

Cut back on takeout

As much as I love to cook, I don’t always have actually time. And while I’ve found a number of healthy takeout dishes at local restaurants, they can be ridiculously expensive with the delivery fee and tip. As an economical alternative, I’ll whip up a dish along with basic items I always keep on hand.

For example, I love making a simple kale and white bean soup. I put bagged chopped kale, low-sodium organic veggie broth, and a splash of olive oil in a pot, and boost the flavor by tossing in some minced garlic (from a jar), dried Italian herb seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, lemon juice, and a little balsamic vinegar. Then I add water, bring the soup to a boil, reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes, and throw in a half cup of canned white beans for protein.

When I’m really pressed for time, I’ll add a dollop of store-bought, dairy-free pesto to steamed frozen veggies and canned cannellini beans (drained and rinsed) for a cheap and easy balanced meal.

Pick up non-food items elsewhere

I’ve been committed to buying eco-friendly brands of cleaning products and laundry soap for years. Yet I recently realized that lots of are available at price clubs and discount stores for much cheaper prices than exactly what I see at the grocery store. While shopping in more than one place takes a little extra time, to me it’s worth it, because it means more funds for healthy foods, and I can splurge on something special, like organic wine.

How do you save money on healthy groceries? Chat along with us on Twitter by mentioning @goodhealth and @CynthiaSass.

Cynthia Sass is a nutritionist and registered dietitian along with master’s degrees in both nutrition science and public health. Frequently seen on national TV, she’s Health’s contributing nutrition editor, and privately counsels clients in Brand-new York, Los Angeles, and long distance. Cynthia is currently the sports nutrition consultant to the Brand-new York Yankees, previously consulted for three other professional sports teams, and is board certified as a specialist in sports dietetics. Sass is a three-time Brand-new York Times best-selling author, and her brand Brand-new book is Slim Down Now: Lose Pounds and Inches along with Real Food, Real Fast. Connect along with her on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.