8 tips to eat healthy on a tight budget
Life on a fixed income certainly isn’t easy. Sometimes that means taking shortcuts to make ends meet. But it’s also important that we don’t neglect our health when it comes to what we’re putting in our bellies. If you’re struggling to eat well while tightening the purse strings, here are eight ways to eat healthy on a tight budget.
1. Plan meals in advance
Without a plan, odds are you’re going to struggle to stay under budget. So, take time out of your week to plan your meals. Make a grocery list, but before you head to the shops take a second to scan your fridge and cabinets. No use buying something you already have, and there’s normally plenty lying around that can be used.
2. Stick to your grocery list
It’s one thing to make a grocery list, but sticking to it is another thing altogether. Try to avoid temptations like specials and stick to the items you need. Discretionary purchases will not only blow out your budget (without you even realising it) but there’s every chance you’ll end up with junk food that won’t do your diet any favours.
3. Cook large portions and use leftovers
If you’re clever with your planning one meal can easily turn into four or five. Leftovers often make great stews, stir fries and casseroles and a great for people looking to eat on a budget, while cooking larger meals will save you time.
4. Switch brand names for generic products
While we’ve all got our favourite brands, there are many items that can be easily switched for their generic counterparts (and odds are you won’t even notice the difference). Particularly when it comes to staples like flour, bread and milk, switching brand names for generic counterparts can end up saving you a lot of dough.
5. Never shop when you’re hungry
Shopping with a rumbling stomach is the last thing you want to do, especially if you want to stay on budget. A little bit of hunger is just the tiny bit of mental stimulus that could see you pick up those discounted biscuits rather than stick to your list.
6. Cheaper cuts of meat
Large, inexpensive cuts of meats are perfect for casseroles, soups, stews and stir fries, especially if you’re making larger meals where there will be a lot of leftovers.
7. Cut down on takeaway
When it comes to eating healthily on a budget, takeaway is your worst enemy. While it might seem like an easy fix, ordering a dish takeaway is almost always more expensive (and less healthy) than making the same dish at home. Over60’s Food & Wine section has a range of recipes that will make you wonder why you ever got takeaway in the first place like chicken pad thai, Chinese fried rice and white pizza with cauliflower and taleggio. Not only are our alternatives cheaper and healthier, but we think they’re more delicious!
8. Choose materials good for budget stretching
If you really want to stretch your budget out you must be realistic and realise you’re not going to be able to afford filet mignon every night. Cheaper cuts of meats (as mentioned above) as well as veggies, canned goods, beans and legumes are great for shoppers looking to stock up on vitamins without breaking the budget.
Do you have any tips for stretching your budget, while still eating healthily? Perhaps a creative recipe you’ve come across? We’ve love to hear from you.