Eating Healthy On A Budget
Currently, it feels like everything is increasing in cost, especially groceries. However, eating healthy does not need to be expensive. There are plenty of ways to shop on a budget and still benefit from eating healthy. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Use store shopping cards and apps.
Maximizing store shopping cards or apps is a great way to reduce spending. I ensure every time I scan the apps before hitting the store and select the coupons needed for that trip. This is much easier than the old-school way of cutting coupons. Plus, most store cards earn extra rewards elsewhere, like the gas pump. Here are my three favorite grocery stores to shop for groceries, but remember to check out other options like Trader Joe’s and Natural Grocers.
Whole Foods
Whole Foods gives 10% on sale items to amazon prime members (download the Prime app)
Amazon rewards visa gives 5% cash back at whole foods, and non-prime members get 3%
King Soopers
Store card & app for digital coupons
Use a store card to save on gas
Purchase gift cards to specialty stores to redeem more gas point
Sprouts
Use the app for digital coupons
On Wednesdays, you get the sale items from the week prior and the week coming up – double ad Wednesdays!
CashBack Apps- Ibotta, Fetch, and more…
Nowadays, there are many apps where you can earn cash back or points for each receipt scanned. My two favorite apps for reducing the grocery budget are Ibotta and Fetch. However, I encourage you to explore the different options and see what apps work best to reduce your grocery bill.
Buy in bulk: Costco or Sams Club.
Items that you can buy in the bulk section are usually more affordable. Examples include:
Oats
Ground Flaxseed
Mixed Nuts
Chia Seeds
Cacao Mix
Almond/Coconut Flour
Frozen Vegetable and Fruit
Any meat you can store in the freezer
Buy Online: Amazon and Thrive Market
Some items you can buy in larger quantities are more affordable online. I love this option when it comes to supplements and pantry goods.
Make A List – and stick to it!
First, create a meal plan for the week. I recommend finding the meats and produce on sale that week and planning meals around those options first. Then make a grocery list AND stick to it! This will keep you focused on what you NEED and not anything extra that sounds good at the store. This in itself will keep your overall spending amount lower.
Frozen Over Fresh
If you know you won’t go through fruits, vegetables, or meat as quickly as you would like, buy frozen! OR, buy fresh and then immediately freeze those items. With this, you will not waste money by throwing out old vegetables, fruits, and meats.
As you can see, these tips are very doable. Success comes with consistency over time. Focus on one or two of these tips, then add on as you see fit. Find what works for you, and keep doing that!
