How to eat healthy on a budget

Two bowls filled with chickpeas, beans and chopped vegetables

Eating healthy food, and making the right nutritional choices can be expensive, we know the feeling all too well! Do you want some fun and easy ways to eat healthily while being able to stick to your budget? Below are some of our best tips - some of them may not seem too drastic - but you know what they say - take care of the pennies, and the pounds will look after themselves!

 

Don’t worry girl, we’ve got you!

 

1. Cook at home

Going out to eat is way easier than having to cook at home BUT, do you know what’s going into your food? Cooking at home is not only more cost effective but you also know exactly what you’re putting into your food! Win-Win!

 2. Plan ahead

Call it meal prep, bulk cooking, or planning ahead - whatever you call it, it's going to save you time! Carve some time out on a Sunday to prepare your meals for the week, pack them into some tupperware, and you'll save yourself hours in the week! Plus, it's a great way to control your nutritional intake.

3. Stick to your list

Once you’ve planned your meals, you'll need to go and grab the ingredients - make sure you stick to your grocery list! Often it's the unnecessary purchases that drive up our shopping bill, so sticking to your list and buying what you've committed to is an easy way to save!  

4. Make larger portions

This one's for those who aren't meal prepping! Make larger quantities when you’re cooking! Any leftovers can be eaten the following day. There you go, you’ve got your lunch sorted – easy!

5. As challenging as it may be...try to avoid shopping when you’re hungry!

We all know the feeling, stomach rumbling, and any food that you see looks insanely delicious and there comes the binge! Shopping works the same way, so it's harder to stick to your list if you're hella hungry, leading to excessive purchases!

6. Buy frozen fruits and vegetables

I don't know about you - but I used to be told that buying frozen isn't as nutritious...turns out that this is #FakeNews! Buying frozen is not just cheaper, but it turns out that it's just as nutritious! You’re not only saving money but you’re also stopping yourself from wasting any unused produce.

7. Bulk buy! 

Costco where you at?! If you're not near a Costco, just google! You'll be surprised at how many bulk food providers will deliver to your door. Often their prices will be more competitive, their sources will be more local, and you can freeze any excess stock to lock in that nutrition!

 

So there we have it, 7 quick and easy tips to save you £££, without forcing you to compromise on your nutrition. Let us know how you get on!

**At Free Soul, your wellbeing is our priority, and although we pride ourselves on our expertise in women's health and wellbeing, it is important to acknowledge the individuality of each person. Features published by Free Soul are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease, or replace the advice of your GP. We always recommend consulting with a healthcare provider if you encounter any health concerns, and we’ll always be here to support you so you’re never alone on your journey.