Many adults think that the only way to find healthy food is by going to a fresh farmer’s market or a store like Whole Foods Market. Now, these stores do offer a wider selection of wholesome, organic, and nutritious foods; however, the foods at these locations may cost a little more. However, you can find wholesome and nutritious, healthy choices at your local grocery store if you only know where to look! With a little careful planning, and some thrifty tips and tricks, you can quickly be preparing healthy meals for your family at a fraction of the cost!
Healthy Budget Meals
If you are on the lookout for healthy meal options, good for you! Deciding to change your diet is the first step in transforming your life. Here are some things to think about when you are navigating through the overstocked aisles of your local grocery store. Remember, you don’t have to break the bank if you know where to look!
- Grab the whole grains: Most grocery stores are beginning to stock bread, pasta and rice in whole grain options for only a few pennies more. Opt for whole grains instead of processed grains for a dramatic lifestyle change!
- Switch from whole milk to 2% or skim: This healthy tip will actually help you to save money! 2% and skim milk has less milkfat than whole milk and can cost up to a dollar less per gallon!
- Go for Poultry: Instead of loading up on expensive read meat, plan to have poultry for most of your meals. Lean chicken and turkey is nutritious and less expensive than red meat with less fat!
- Frozen Foods are Your Friends: Instead of wasting money on fruits and vegetables that are going to go bad, stock up on freshly frozen vegetables and fruits that you can steam in five minutes for your family’s dining room table! Vegetables like broccoli, peas, and Brussels sprouts come in healthy, frozen options that will keep for months at a time! No more wasted produce!
- Turkey, Turkey, Turkey: Skip the pork sausage and the fatty bacon and go for some turkey sausage or turkey bacon. This meat product is leaner, healthier and still tastes delicious. Your family will barely be able to tell the difference!
