Eating healthy can be challenging, especially if you are on a budget. Healthy foods like fresh vegetables, meats and other foods can be expensive at grocery stores. And, many fresh foods do not last as long, where it can seem as if you’re shopping more frequently. However, there can be ways to maintain a nutritious diet on a budget. USAWire connected with Rachel West, RD and Senior Nutrition Editor at eMeals, to share expert guidance.
What are some practical strategies for individuals or families to plan nutritious meals while sticking to a tight budget?
The best strategy for both eating healthy and sticking to a budget is having a plan—and that doesn’t mean planning to go through the drive-through. Cooking at home, in most cases, is much healthier than takeout food, which is often known to have high amounts of saturated fat and sodium. When you plan your meals and create a grocery list, you can create meals around your family’s likes and dislikes as well as any health goals or nutrition needs.
When cooking on a budget, food waste is a primary concern, so it’s even better if you base your weekly meal plan around ingredients that you already have in your pantry, fridge, and freezer to help you shop your own kitchen before buying and bringing in more. You don’t want ingredients going bad before you have time to use them.
