Eat Healthy, Nourishing Foods And Save Money

In this post I’ll share ideas how to eat healthy on a budget and why investing in your health is so important. This post is perfect for you if you are financially squeezed or if you just want to save money for something else, like for your first home. 

Eating healthy doesn’t need to be expensive. I’ve been living on a budget for the past years. Yet, I have always chosen to spend my money on healthy foods and personal growth instead of wasting money on material things. Buying fancy kitchen appliances hasn’t made any sense either because my long term plans are still open.

8 Tips for Saving Money On Healthy Food

 1. Plan Ahead And Storage Properly

This is probably the most important tip for sticking to a budget. I always check my fridge and cupboards before grocery shopping. I make a list of items I need. I buy food every day. Hoarding massive amounts of food isn’t very smart. There is a huge risk that things go bad before you have even had a chance to use them. Secondly, I prefer my my veggies and fruits to be as fresh as possible. Storing food the right way helps to minimize waste. For instance, some fruits, like apples and bananas, emit ethylene gas that can ripen the neighboring fruits in a bowl. To limit this ripening process you can place some of your fruits into a fridge. Always remember to read labels about storage recommendations and act accordingly. Certain foods, like mustard and tahini, can be kept in room temperature but should be refrigerated after opening. Waisting food is like flushing money down your toilet and showing a middle finger to starving people. That’s not cool. 

2. Support Local Producers And Small Ethnic Shops

Honestly, I’m not a big fun of traditional supermarkets. The quality of fruits and vegetables is often miserable there unless you go organic. I prefer smaller shops that sell local, organic produce. A wonderful way to support small businesses! And it’s good for the planet when all your food doesn’t need to travel from the other side of the world. When I was living abroad I noticed that organic produce tend to be cheaper in smaller specialized veggie-fruit stalls than in supermarkets. Buy exotic fruits at ethnic food markets. Mangos, pineapples and papayas are very delicious there and if you get to know the owners they may give you discounts.

3. Buy In Bulk

You can save a decent amount of money by buying dry foods, such as grains, nuts, seeds and spices in bulk. Be careful where you shop: you don’t want to buy rancid nuts and seeds that have been sitting in jars for ages! 

4. Avoid Processed And Packed Foods

You are very likely to pay extra for pre-made meals, and chopped veggies and fruits. Choose whole foods instead. You’ll also avoid all kinds of weird additives and preservatives that are often added to extend the shelf-life.

5. Compare Unit Prices

Don’t only stare at the retail price (the price you pay). It’s not going to tell the truth easily. Instead focus on the unit price (the price per a particular unit, such as per kg or per ounce). Sometimes fancy packing and a brand name can add extra costs.

6. Prioritise The Dirty Dozen

I always recommend buying organic as much as you can. However, if you have a very limited budget try to allocate your resources so that you could buy those foods organic that are listed on the ’Dirty Dozen’. These are foods that come with most pesticide residue: typically fruits and veggies without peels, such as berries and leafy greens. The ’Clean 15’ foods are the safest ones to buy conventional: fruits that come with peels, like avocados and melons. 

7. Invest In Simple Appliances For Cooking

Quality kitchen appliances will pay off if you start to cook at home regularly. Instead of buying hummus and ice-cream make your own at home, and it’s going to be much healthier and tastier As long as you have fresh, organic produce and basic tools, a delicious meal is almost guaranteed. Buy a few pots, a steamer, a pan, sharp knives and a blender - and you're ready to go! I’d love to have a high-quality blender one day but so far I’ve been happy with a simple hand-blender. I can easily make smoothies, nice-cream, soups and hummus with it, and it takes hardly any space. 

8. Grow Your Own Herbs, Veggies And Fruits

You don’t need to have a big garden to grow your own herbs and fruits. Balcony can do the trick as long as you remember to water your plants. If I have a mansion one day, I’ll have my own fruit trees (mango would be the best!) For sure, and a beautiful vegetable garden. Just sending this wish to the universe!

Why You Should Prioritise Your Health No Matter What

You are and will be what you eat. If you eat all kinds of junk, you are treating your body like a garbage bin and will soon look like one. Your weight starts to pile up over the years and all kinds of nasty health issues are likely to start bothering you: everything from milder issues, such as constipation, acne, bad breath to more serious conditions, such as type II diabetes and even cancer. These if any will cost you a lot financially, mentally, and physiologically.  

If you eat healthy, nutrient-dense foods, you will reach your natural weight effortlessly. Consistent physical activity makes your body look toned and, clothes will look good on you without spending a fortune on them. We all have our natural set point weight ranges. You also need to understand that our physical bodies are unique by their structure. You’re never going to look the same as someone else. Please make peace with your unique body and fully embrace it. 

Healthy, glowing skin, thick beautiful hair and strong nails require all the right nutrients in abundance - no restrictions! Now you know why people on starvation diets tend to have thinning hair, dull skin and nail issues. You are not going to get the same benefits from supplements. As an example, if you eat an orange, you will get so much more from it than taking vitamin C from a pill. You'll get several other vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants in the perfect ratio and easily absorbable form. Remember, your skin and body are not going to change over night. You didn’t get to your situation over night either so healing takes time but it’ll be worth it. With beautiful hair and skin you’ll be able to cut your beauty regimen drastically: radiant skin doesn’t need thick expensive foundations and toxic cosmetic injections.

If you struggle with implementing healthy lifestyle habits, please feel free to contact me. I’m happy to offer you a FREE 45-minute consultation.

Radiate Your Beauty And Love Everywhere You Go.