5 Creative Ways to Eat Fruits and Vegetables Without Breaking the Bank

Eating a healthy and balanced diet can be a challenge when you’re working on a budget. While you can’t always afford the same fresh and organic ingredients as your wealthier friends, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy a nutritious and delicious diet without breaking the bank. Here are five creative ways to make the most of your grocery budget and stock up on healthy fruits and veggies.

Simple Tips for Healthier Eating on a Budget

The first step to healthy eating is making smart choices at the store. Look for seasonal fruits and vegetables, which are often cheaper than out-of-season produce. Buy frozen or canned fruits and veggies, as they are usually cheaper than fresh and can still have the same nutritional benefits. When possible, buy in bulk, as it can often be cheaper and you can store what you don’t use for later. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try foraging for wild edible plants in your local community.

Making Healthy Eating Affordable and Delicious

Once you’ve got all your ingredients, get creative in the kitchen! Start with simple and classic recipes like stir-fries and soups, which can be adapted with whatever ingredients you have. Resist the temptation to buy pre-made sauces, as they often contain added sugar, salt, and preservatives. Instead, make your own healthy sauces with canned tomatoes and herbs. And don’t forget the slow cooker; there are loads of slow cooker recipes that require minimal effort and can be made with affordable ingredients.

Delicious and Nutritious Fruits and Vegetables without Breaking the Bank

Look for affordable nutritious foods such as lightly salted canned tuna, eggs, beans and lentils, rolled oats, and brown rice. All these foods are rich in protein and other essential nutrients, and can be made into delicious and filling meals. If you’re looking for something a bit sweeter, you can’t go wrong with simple fresh fruits like bananas and apples, or frozen berries.

Finding Healthy and Affordable Ingredients

Don’t forget to shop at local farmer’s markets. In addition to being cheaper than the grocery store, farmer’s markets often have better quality and more variety of produce. Since farmer’s markets are usually held in the same spot on a regular basis, so you can easily plan ahead and check out the prices before you buy.

Creative Ways to Stretch Your Grocery Bill

Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with your ingredients. Make the most of what you have and swap out expensive ingredients with cheaper ones. For example, swap out quinoa for oats, or feta cheese for cheddar. If you’re feeling particularly thrifty, try making a tasty dinner out of pantry staples such as canned beans and canned veggies.

Eating healthy on a budget is possible with a little planning and creativity. With these five tips in mind, you’ll be able to make delicious and nutritious meals without breaking the bank. All you need is a bit of imagination and a willingness to experiment in the kitchen.

Sources

• Harvard Medical School. (2017, February). Eating Healthy on a Budget. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/eating-healthy-on-a-budget
• Freckmann, G., & Fitzgibbon, M. (2015). Practical Strategies to Promote Healthful Eating Patterns. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4513518/
• Gans, K. (2020, March 24). Healthy Eating on a Budget. Retrieved from https://www.eatright.org/food/nutrition/budget-and-nutritious-foods/healthy-eating-on-a-budget

Eating a healthy and balanced diet doesn’t have to be expensive if you know how to shop smart and get creative in the kitchen. With the right tools and a bit of imagination, you can enjoy nutritious and delicious meals without breaking the bank.