Where it used to be that eating healthy was the more-budget friendly option a few decades ago, today it has reached the point that the healthier the foods are, the more expensive they are. Just take a look at the organics section in your local grocery store and your head is sure to spin. So, what is a person or family to do if they want to be able to eat healthily but are on a very strict and tight budget?
Here’s a look at some ingenious tips that will make healthy eating on your tight budget a reality.
Find Budget-Friendly Recipes
A great place to start is with recipes that are designed for the budget-conscious person. The pocketchangegourmet.com website is a great place to visit for just such recipes. You’ll find a huge collection of individual budget-friendly recipes, as well as weekly and monthly menu plans. It takes all the guesswork out of the equation without any sacrifice to flavor.
Plan for the Full Month but Shop for the Week
If you find yourself on a strict grocery budget, it’s a good idea to put some planning into your meals. Experts recommend planning out your menu for the entire month, then shopping for the week. What this means is that you take a look at the menu for the week and create your grocery list based on that. This helps prevent you from over-spending at the store and getting a whole bunch of unnecessary items.
Buy When in Season and Fresh – Then Freeze It
This tip is perfect for those with a little extra freezer space. Whenever possible, you’ll want to buy produce when it’s fresh and in season, as this is when it’s the cheapest. You can then freeze it so you can use it at a later date.
When Buying Meat Choose the Less Expensive Cuts
If you’re the type that loves eating meat and including it in your meals on a regular basis, then you will want to start shopping for the less expensive cuts of meat. These are things such as chicken thighs, pork cheeks and belly, whole chicken, chuck roast, and pork shoulder. When prepared properly, you’ll be amazed at just how tasty these cuts can be.
Invest in a Slow Cooker
One of the best tools in the kitchen for those who are cooking on a strict budget is a slow cooker. You can throw just about anything in it and it will turn out fantastic, juicy, and full of flavor. There’s also the fact that there is no preparation time necessary, everything gets thrown in the slow cooker and left for the day to cook slowly while you’re at work.
You Can Eat Like a King Even on a Strict Budget
When you take the time to do menu planning, look for those items when they are at their cheapest, and pick those less expensive cuts of meat you’ll find that you can eat like a king even on a very tight budget.