Eat Healthy on a Budget

It's a common misconception that eating healthy costs you an arm and a leg.  While grocery shopping in general right now is more expensive, shopping healthy doesn't have to break the bank. 

Here's a few tips to save money at the grocery store! 

1. Shop seasonal: In-season fruits and veggies are more plentiful so they’re often more reasonably priced. An added bonus? Produce is often most nutritious when it is in season.
2. Browse the sales: check out what grocery stores have on sale before you go and plan your meals around those items.  Big sale on zucchini?  Great make some spaghetti and zoodles and zucchini bread!  Ground beef on sale?  Awesome plan a few meals that have ground beef like spaghetti, tacos, or burgers.  
3. Shop local: Not only does this support your community, but foods that aren’t transported from far away places can also be more wallet-friendly.  Check out farmers markets and stores that carry local products to support and save! 
4. Grab overripe options: Sometimes grocery stores will have sales on foods that are overripe or close to expiring.  Grab these then freeze, bake or make jams!
5. Don't disregard frozen foods: Frozen fruits and veggies are typically cheaper than fresh produce because they keep longer. Plus, did you know that most fruits and veggies are flash-frozen at peak ripeness? This can make them just as healthy (if not more!) than their fresh counterparts.
6. Canned foods have come a long way: With a longer shelf like, they are more reasonably priced.  Plus there are tons of options and often times sales on these types of products.  
7. Shop in bulk: Bulk bins in grocery stores or bulk stores like Costco, and Sam's Club. It might seem more expensive at the time but buying more at once will end up lasting you longer and saving you money in the long run. 
8. By cheaper cuts of meat: stewing cuts, ground meat, chicken thighs, chicken legs, and whole chickens are often less expensive. Grab less expensive meats and freeze for later or plan meals around these cuts. 
9. Go for the store brand:  Most grocery stores have their own brand of products that are cheaper than the name-brand.  They are usually the exact same product with a different label.  Look for these store branded products to save money! 
10. Join the store rewards program:  Most grocery stores have a rewards program that is free to join and can save you money. Make sure to sign up before your trip and find what's on sale for members only!  

Want more grocery shopping and meal planning tips?  Download my FREE Meals Made Simple, meal planning guide!  Includes grocery shopping lists, meal planning templates, tips and tools to plan healthy meals the whole family will enjoy!