Eating Healthy for Less

Getting and staying shape is a battle fought not only in the gym. We’ve all heard the phrase “Abs are made in the kitchen” but if your kitchen is riddled with processed foods, you’re unlikely to ever get down to those abs. Now is the time to stock up on clean and healthy food items to keep you body on track. A recent study revealed that only $1.50 per day separates an unhealthy diet from a healthy one! Use some of the tips below to whittle your waste and save money in the check out line.

Eating Healthy for Less – Shop in Bulk

Don’t pay for packaging! Shop at stores like Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and Lucky’s for bulk items like beans, quinoa, brown rice and whole wheat items.

Eating Healthy for Less – Less Organic

Don’t go overboard on trying to buy organic. Stick to purchasing organic for the Dirty Dozen items (produce items with the highest amount of pesticides found) only! Definitely stick to the regular produce aisle for the Clean 15, as these items are virtually pesticide free. Find the 2015 Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 here.

Eating Healthy for Less – Buy it Whole

Get the whole chicken, fish, etc. When you buy pre-cut, packaged and/or frozen meats you’re spending extra for what it cost the company to pay someone to cut, clean and package the meat. Do it your self for less! Plus, you get to keep and use the bones for things like homemade stock!

Eating Healthy for Less – Eat Less Meat

We eat more meat than ever before! Chances are you’re more than meeting your protein needs. Meat is simply put, more expensive. So skip it for breakfast and/or lunch on most day! No need to add sausage to that breakfast sandwich and you do without the chicken on your salad for lunch!

Eat and Repurpose Leftovers 

Chances are you ate leftovers frequently as a child, so why not do it now! Have some additional grilled chicken from last night’s dinner? Well, slight it and make a chicken wrap for lunch tomorrow. Extra veggies? Use them in an omelette tomorrow morning! Leftovers will save you tons in the long run and throwing out food is a real first world jerk move, so just don’t do it! Unless it’s gone bad… then, yes, do it!

Eating Healthy for Less – Make your own salad dressing

If you’re anything like me, you love a good salad! And dressing is often the best part but if you’re wanting to move to a healthier lifestyle, it’s time to put the ranch down! No need to go buy expensive vinaigrettes though. Those can run you about $3-$5 a pop. Make your own with olive oil and a vinegar of your choice. Throw in some herbs and seasonings, wisk or shake and you’re good to go.