Healthy Eating on a Budget!

I am all about saving you guys money today!  Healthy eating can be really hard because buying healthy food is not cheap.  However, I was doing some research and found out that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has a page on their website ChooseMyPlate.gov about healthy eating on a budget which I think is pretty cool.  It is also nice to know that our government is thinking about us and our budgets!

The USDA recommends following the 3 P's of eating on a budget:

PLAN

• Plan meals and snacks for the week according to an established budget.
• Find quick and easy recipes online.
• Include meals that will “stretch” expensive food items (stews, casseroles,
  stir‐fried dishes).
• Make a grocery list.
• Check for sales and coupons in the local paper or online and consider discount stores.
• Ask about a loyalty card at your grocery store.

PURCHASE

• Buy groceries when you are not hungry and when you are not too rushed.
• Stick to the grocery list and stay out of the aisles that don’t contain items on
  your list.
• Buy store brands if cheaper.
• Find and compare unit prices listed on shelves to get the best price.
• Purchase some items in bulk or as family packs which usually cost less.
• Choose fresh fruits and vegetables in season; buy canned vegetables with less salt.
• Pre‐cut fruits and vegetables, individual cups of yogurt, and instant rice and hot cereal are
  convenient, but usually cost more than those that require a bit more prep time.
• Good low‐cost items available all year include:
• Protein — beans (garbanzo, black, cannellini)
• Vegetables — carrots, greens, potatoes
• Fruit — apples, bananas  

PREPARE

• Some meal items can be prepared in advance; pre‐cook on days when you have
  time.
• Double or triple up on recipes and freeze meal‐sized containers of soups and
  casseroles or divide into individual portions.
• Try a few meatless meals by substituting with beans and peas or try “no‐cook” meals like salads.
• Incorporate leftovers into a subsequent meal.
• Be creative with a fruit or vegetable and use it in different ways during the week. 

ChooseMyPlate has some awesome advice on healthy and affordable eating on their website.  Check it out to find advice on how to afford fruits and vegetables and more advice on eating better on a budget!

Any other tips to offer?  Please share by leaving a comment below!