Yahoo Finance 10 ways to eat healthily on a budget
The perceived cost of buying healthy food can put many people off filling their baskets and trollies with nutritious items, but eating healthily doesn't have to ruin your bank balance. In fact, data published by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) found healthy foods tend to cost less than their unhealthier counterparts. We've sussed out the best tips to eat well on a budget...
1. Go local
And we don't mean your local Tesco. Visit your local greengrocer to suss out prices - you'll be surprised how much you can get for your money from greengrocers or local markets without all the fancy packaging. You can buy the exact quantities you want, too - so three bananas instead of a pack of six for example, or just two potatoes, rather than paying for a huge bag you won't use.
2. Time your shopping trip
If you're heading to a supermarket, you can save a significant amount by visiting at the end of the day (especially last thing on a Sunday). In most supermarkets, they'll discount certain - usually fresh - goods a few hours before closing time so it's always worth trying your luck. Avoid grabbing dinner while you fill up for petrol, too – service station supermarkets often inflate their prices, meaning the exact same meal can cost you significantly more.
3. Get a loyalty card - and use it
Shopping somewhere solely because you have a loyalty card there isn't a great idea (always go for the cheapest prices) but if the place you shop at most regularly has the option, it's smart to sign up. Not only can you collect points on your regular shop at places like Tesco or Sainsbury's, but they offer special deals only available to Clubcard or Nectar holders.
4. Load up your laptop
Shopping online means you're privy to exclusive offers that you can't necessarily get in store, and you can usually use discount codes, too. A site like Mysupermarket.co.uk allows you to compare which supermarket will be cheaper for your regular shop too - give it a whirl and wince when you realise you've been paying over-the-odds. It's worth investigating cashback sites too - you'll receive money into your account every time you shop online, meaning buying a week's worth of healthy dinners could actually be earning you money.
5. Stop being snobby…
…about supermarket own brands - will you really know the difference between an own-brand can of tinned tomatoes and a more expensive one when it's thrown into your breakfast shakshuka? You don't have to scrimp on everything, but choosing own-brand products can save you an impressive amount over a few months. Same goes for supermarkets too - try Aldi or Lidl instead of M&S and Sainsbury's for massive savings. Check out Approved Food too - it's full of clearance food and drinks (there's lots of junk food, but healthy options too - we found Dove's rye flour for 79p instead of £1.50).
6. Don't rely on 'superfoods'or faddy trends to stay healthy
61% of us have reported buying so-called 'superfoods' in a bid to stay healthy, but many experts now agree a balanced diet and regular exercise will do the job just as well (for less money, too). High-cost items like coconut water or goji berries are great for an occasional treat, but you can still maintain a healthy diet with much cheaper staples like pulses, wholegrain carbs, lean protein, fresh fruit and veg.
7. Shop seasonally
The price of buying a punnet of raspberries or strawberries can vary hugely depending on the time of year, so be smart about what's in season. Buying food when supply is high means it costs to produce, and less for you. Not only should it taste better too, but you'll be doing local farmers (and global warming) a favour in the process...
8. Plan ahead
If you're serious about saving money and being healthy, planning your meals is a must. Write a list before you go, noting the ingredients you'll need for breakfast, lunch and dinner for the week ahead - that way, you won't end up buying items you just won't use when they catch your eye. It takes a bit of foresight and organisation (e.g. leaving your packed lunch by the door so you don't forget it, or defrosting meals you've already made) but you'll be thrilled how quickly the savings add up. But don't be unrealistic - if it's likely you'll end up eating dinner out, or at a friend's house, take that into account - you'll only end up wasting surplus food otherwise.
9. Avoid 'snack packs'
Ever spotted those tiny 'snack-sized' bags of nuts or fruit near the checkouts or in coffee shops? Buying larger bags of whatever you need costs far less, and you can decant them into smaller Tupperware boxes or sandwich bags as and when you need them. Supermarkets and coffee shops rely on our laziness (and hunger) so think ahead, and never shop on an empty stomach.
10. Get freezing
You've had a long day at work and return to find nothing in the fridge. We've all been there - hello takeaway menu. Buying frozen fruit or veg is a great move - it's usually frozen with a few hours of being harvested and the freezing process stops nutritional depletion (a bag of frozen kale can end up being more vitamin-packed than a fresh bag). That means it can work out a lot cheaper (how many times do you really finish a fresh bag of spinach?) and you can freeze meals you cook too - when you're cooking up a hearty vegetable stew, make twice as much as you need and save a few portions for later.
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