How to cut the grocery bill and still eat healthily

Many people would love to start eating healthier but are wary of the costs associated with such a move. They are afraid that, once they switch their usual meals for alternatives, it will put a significant strain on their home budget. However, while the concept of healthy meals being more expensive than junk food is widespread, it fails to tell the whole story.

One can do many things to save some cash while eating nutritious and healthy dishes. Besides searching for the latest coupons & promos, it’s easy to shop online, eat seasonally, cut back on meat and buy organic food locally. It might also be worth creating a meal plan and sticking to it. All of these things can help transform food habits for the better while keeping the bills manageable.

Here is a complete list of ways to cut down grocery costs and save money every month:

Shop online

Online shopping has become a popular thing nowadays. People use it to find pretty much everything they need, including groceries. While this option is not available in every country, those who live in countries that ship food can reap the benefits it offers.

Anyone with access to online grocery shopping should definitely check it out. Shoppers will be able to find some fantastic deals that are hard to get anywhere else. It’s a good idea to compare prices before buying anything. This way, it’s possible to ensure that cash is actually being saved, rather than being blown on useless stuff.

Cook at home

The easiest way to save money on food is to cut out fast food and eat more homemade meals. When people eat at restaurants, they pay more, usually twice as much, for a smaller portion of food. One can easily cook at home and make healthy meals that are not only cheaper but also more fulfilling and satisfying.

As reported by Time, a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that 92% of restaurant meals have too many calories. It means that if a few meals a week are replaced with homemade ones, calorie intake will be reduced and it will be simple to lose some weight without even trying very hard.

Eat seasonally

One of the most effective and money-saving ways to eat healthily is to shop for food based on the season. Seasonal produce is cheaper compared to its non-seasonal counterpart as it lasts for a shorter period of time.

Those who can manage to buy fresh, seasonal veggies and fruits will save a lot of money in the long run. For example, when apples are in season, they can be bought for a much lower price than in other periods. However, if shoppers try to buy them in winter when they are out of season, their price could go up to 20 times higher.

Cut back on meat

Another way to save money on groceries is to reduce the amount of meat eaten. Meat is often the most expensive item on the grocery list, so opting for vegetarian meals a few times a week can help save some cash. There are plenty of delicious, protein-rich recipes that don’t require meat and are well worth a try.

Buy organic food locally

Organic food is generally more expensive than conventional products, but it’s a common misconception that it is always pricey. There are ways to ensure getting the best value for money. One of them is shopping locally. Buying fresh produce in bulk directly from producers allows shoppers to save money on shipment and packaging costs. Besides that, buying local foods also makes it possible to skip chemical treatments that can be used on mass-produced crops, ensuring that the family eats healthier food.

Those looking for an affordable way to buy organic food could try buying it at local farmers’ markets or joining CSAs (community-supported agriculture programs). This membership type involves paying upfront for a year of weekly produce delivery. The cost per meal is usually much lower than the average trip to the grocery store because shoppers are not just buying fruits and vegetables but also eggs, dairy products, grains and meat.

Often, organic produce sold at these venues is much cheaper than what can be found at a traditional grocery store. Plus, buying from local farmers supports the local economy.

Create a meal plan and stick to it

It’s easy to save a lot of money by planning your meals in advance. Planning for dinner will ensure that no food is wasted, too much is cooked or ingredients are bought that aren’t needed. Also, it will help with staying on track with weight loss goals by making sure that the right foods are eaten.

Home cooking meals also means complete control over the ingredients that go into the food. There’ll be more nutritious and healthier meals to choose from, which will improve overall health while keeping the grocery bill under control.

Conclusion

It is perfectly possible to eat a healthy diet without having to make any sacrifices. One can still stick to a budget and keep costs under control while enjoying delicious and nutritious dishes. The idea of eating healthy being more expensive than unhealthy food is just a myth that needs to be debunked.

Nowadays, most grocery stores offer coupons or promos on the food items that they sell. The same goes for shopping online. If people choose to buy groceries from online grocers, they can take advantage of many discounts and deals.

All in all, finding ways to cut the grocery bill is a real challenge that requires constant work and effort. But it’s important to keep in mind that this small effort will eventually lead to significant savings! With the help of this article, it’s time to save money on food and eat healthily without having to spend too much cash on groceries.

The editorial unit