How To Eat Healthy On A Budget

As posted on Yahoo By Karen Robock | Chatelaine


Do embrace frozen berries 
Fruits and veggies in the freezer aisle are just as nutritious as fresh ones, and you can get up to eight times as much for the same price. Simply thaw in the fridge overnight or add frozen to baking recipes and breakfast smoothies. 

Do look beyond brands 
Stretch your dollar by opting for no-name or private label store brands. 

Shopping tip: Use this strategy for single-ingredient products like brown rice, legumes or flour — and save big! For canned or frozen goods, always compare ingredient lists to ensure you don’t compromise on quality. 

Do make DIY meals 
Ready-made lasagna may save time, but it’ll cost you at the checkout, not to mention the added fat, calories and preservatives. Instead, set aside time to make big-batch casseroles, soups and stews — and your freezer will always be full of tasty, healthy options.

Make it a habit: Whip up a batch of whole-grain waffles on Sundays, individually wrap the extras and freeze for a weekday-morning treat you can just pop in the toaster.

Do pass up prewashed 
Save hundreds a year by avoiding precut veggies and opting for a head of lettuce instead of a bag of prewashed! When you get home, simply wash, dry and tear it, then put it back in a plastic bag. Same goes for fruit: A container of precut pineapple costs about $4 while a whole one, with at least four times the amount of fruit, is the same price.

Make it a habit: Commit to skipping any fresh product that comes in a plastic bag! 

Do bulk up 
Buy staples like cereal, spices or pasta in bulk, then stash in glass jars that you can refill when necessary — you’ll save big and do the environment a favour, too, by reducing unnecessary packaging. 

Do make it meatless 
Cut back costs by going vegetarian. Eggs, quinoa, chickpeas and beans are all healthy and affordable proteins. 

Bonus: They’re also lower in fat than most meats! Save the most money by opting for dried goods versus canned.