You don’t have to choose between healthy eating and your bank account. Follow these tips to make healthy food choices—your stomach and wallet will thank you!

Plan Ahead

1. Create a meal plan. Look for healthy budget-friendly recipes with the same ingredients but different preparations.
2. Plan meals around food you already have. Check your cupboards, freezer, and fridge; eat perishable food before it spoils.
3. Make a grocery list. Write down the ingredients and quantities you need.
4. Think leftovers. Plan to buy enough ingredients that’ll make the meal last several days.
5. Don’t shop hungry. Eat before shopping to avoid making unhealthy impulse buys.

At the Store

1. Buy whole fruits and vegetables. You pay extra for precut produce, so save money by cutting it yourself.
2. Check unit prices. Compare unit prices (price per pound, ounce, quart, etc.) for the best deals.
3. Buy frozen produce. If you can’t get fresh produce, consider buying it frozen.
4. Find new protein sources. Try a whole chicken instead of individual cuts, canned seafood, or other affordable protein sources, such as beans, lentils, and eggs.
5. Stick to your list. You spent time planning your grocery list, so don’t stray from it!

At Home

1. Put your groceries away. Get perishable foods in the fridge or freezer right away.
2. Prepare meals in advance. Choose the best day to prepare meals. Then make plenty of food so that you have healthy meals ready to go on your busiest days.
3. Be creative with leftovers. Leftover meats, vegetables, and grains make great soups, for example.
4. Eat fruit for dessert. Make healthy fruit-based desserts rather than buying unhealthy packaged desserts.
5. Consider the long-term savings. Eating healthy is an investment in you that can minimize health care costs down the road. 

Home Cooking Made Easy
Which cooking oils are the healthiest? What’s a good substitute for sour cream? Is there a way to cut back on salt without losing flavor? Click here to find the answers to these questions (and more)!