5 tips for eating
healthy on a budget

Who said that it costs an arm and a leg to eat healthy? Whether you're looking for healthy options after a period of indulgence or simply to enjoy the benefits of a balanced diet, here are a few practical tips. And yes, you can eat healthy without breaking the bank!

Plan your meals while keeping an eye on discounts

More and more people are now planning their meals a week ahead of time and for good reason. Not only does it save time in the kitchen after a busy day at work, it's also an excellent way to save money and eat healthy. Planning meals is easier with the following two tips.

find the discounts

The first is to keep flyer deals in mind when planning your weekly menu. Identify which fruits and vegetables are on sale as well as plant-based protein (tofu, soy, beans), and lean meats (chicken, turkey, fish). With these foods, you'll be able to easily create nutritious recipes that taste great.

choose similar ingredients

The second tip you should keep in mind is to pick recipes with similar ingredients. This will allow you to purchase products in bulk and take advantage of discounts on value packs. You'll be able to prepare greater quantities which will mean leftovers you can freeze! For instance, vegetarian chili and spaghetti sauce are both healthy, low-cost options that you can easily store in the freezer. Planning your recipes before heading to the store pays off!

Cook your own meals and eat root to stem

Another benefit of cooking your own meals is that you can prevent food waste and stock up for future recipes. For instance, those vegetable peels? You can use them in a broth! Apples that are too ripe? Make apple sauce! Don't hesitate to use your foods in different ways to prevent food waste.

Frozen fruits and vegetables: a healthy, low-cost option

Purchasing frozen fruits and vegetables is a great way to add a healthy ingredient to any meal without going over budget. Because they can be kept for a long time in the freezer, you can purchase these kinds of products without worrying about them expiring. That means less food waste! In addition, stocking up on frozen fruits and vegetables allows you to purchase products in the off-season and use them all year long! Use your favourite frozen fruit to make muffins or as a topping on your French toast! And don't forget about a classic fruit smoothie which is a great option if you're trying to get back in shape. And when it comes to vegetables, the more on your plate, the better!

Add plant-based protein to your menu

Did you know there are less costly alternatives to meat? For instance, tofu is an inexpensive ingredient you can easily cook and season to your liking. You can add tofu in every dish! We love it in lasagna, slow cooked meals, and spaghetti sauces. We also love beans and chickpeas that are a good source of protein. They pair beautifully with salads!

Rediscover eggs

The nutritional value of eggs is simply astounding. In terms of quantity/price, they're hard to beat! Both rich in protein and vitamins, they are also delicious and can be prepared in myriad ways: poached, over-easy, in a salad, in a sandwich, etc. If you're short on time in the morning, you can make an omelette to go in a microwavable mug. Eggs, ham, a bit of cheese, and you're ready to take on the day!

With these tips, eating healthy at a low cost is possible! Looking for recipe ideas? Find some here!

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