Shopping Smart: Nutrition on a Budget
Developing healthy eating habits requires making smart choices while grocery shopping. However, mastering the art of healthy grocery shopping on a budget can be challenging, especially with the increase in food prices. Whether you are an experienced shopper or just starting to plan ahead, here are some tips to enhance your food shopping experience and help you promote nutrition on a budget.
Make a List and Stick to It
One way to do this is to create a list of nutritious staples that you always want to have on hand. These staples could include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Once you have your list, stick to it at the store to avoid impulse buying. This will help you eat more nutritiously, save money, and reduce food waste.
Shop Daily or a Few Times a Week
Many of us tend to buy groceries in bulk, with the intention of preparing a wide range of meals throughout the week. However, we often waste a significant portion of the food we buy because we may not feel like eating items we thought we would. This not only results in food waste but also leads to unnecessary expenses.
To avoid this, it’s a good idea to carve out some time in the morning to determine what you are craving for the day. You can quickly and easily browse various healthy recipe websites or apps to find inspiration. Once you have found a recipe that appeals to you, take a screenshot of it to easily access the list of ingredients while you are at the store and stick to your list to save money.
Buy Frozen and Canned Produce
When you purchase frozen or canned produce, you can extend the shelf life of your favorite fruits and vegetables, thus reducing food waste. Some studies have shown that frozen fruits and vegetables can be even more nutritious than fresh produce. This is because frozen fruits and vegetables are often picked and immediately flash-frozen within 24 hours, which helps to lock in their nutrients. For whole-family nutrition on a budget, canned and frozen varieties are the way to go. Plus, these are often significantly cheaper than their fresh counterparts, with plenty of canned varieties being under a dollar each.
However, it is essential to choose canned fruits and vegetables packed in water or juice rather than those packed in heavy syrup, which can be high in added sugars.
Check for Coupons
Cash Saver has got you covered if you’re looking for great deals on healthy food. We release a circular every 2 weeks with a wide range of products at discounted prices. It’s a great way to stock up on your favorite items without breaking the bank.
When you come across a healthy item that you enjoy and see that it’s on sale, it’s a good idea to buy it in bulk. You will save money in the long run and have plenty of it on hand for future use. You can simply freeze what you do not eat right away. This is a great way to make the most of the discounts offered by Cash Saver’s circulars.
Avoid Processed Foods
When you buy processed foods, you are not just paying for the product itself but also for the costs associated with processing and packaging. These costs are transferred to the consumer, making processed foods more expensive than their whole-food counterparts.
Besides being more expensive, processed foods also contain higher amounts of sodium and preservatives. These additives are used to enhance the flavor and extend the shelf life of the products. However, consuming too much sodium can lead to health problems such as high blood pressure, while preservatives have been linked to various health concerns.
Opting for whole foods in their natural form is always a healthier choice. They are often less expensive, provide better nutrition, and are less likely to contain harmful additives.
Visit Cash Saver for Nutritious Items on a Budget
When you need to shop healthy on a budget, visit Cash Saver. At Cash Saver, we make sure that shopping for healthy items isn’t difficult or expensive. Try out a few of these tips, and see what sticks next time you start your grocery shopping. With strategic shopping and planning, you can easily stick to a budget while keeping your New Year’s resolutions.