How can I Eat Healthy on a Budget?

Millions of people wish to maintain a healthier lifestyle, but consistently eat fast food instead of preparing their own food at home. Some people feel that it's too expensive to buy nutritious food, but that it is cheaper to buy items that may not have much nutritional content. This way of thinking keeps many people from saving money, losing weight, and achieving a healthier body. Purchasing fast food every day is a drain on the wallet and eating hamburgers and French fries on a daily basis can make the waistline expand. If a consumer plans and displays a bit of creativity, she can eat healthy on a budget.

Consumer should remember several basic ideas in order to eat healthy. First, refrain from eating a great deal of junk food. This will only lead to health problems. Cut down on alcohol consumption. Purchasing alcohol products is often expensive and can cause weight gain. Another important fact is that consumers should avoid eating too much salty or sugary food.

Excessive amounts of sugar and salt is found in most prepackaged foods, so a wise shopper will avoid filling the shopping cart with these items. It's also a good idea to stay away from foods high in saturated fats -- another type of food that sidelines a healthy diet. Finally, strive to eat a variety of foods in order to maintain a healthy diet.

In order to eat healthy on a budget, plan food menus for the upcoming weeks. Conduct research on quick, healthy meals that can be prepared for a small amount of money. Next, prepare a shopping list beforehand. This helps shoppers avoid purchasing foods that are too expensive or unhealthy.

Impulse buys are costly and usually involve foods containing high amounts of sugar and fat. Instead, focus on purchasing ingredients that are inexpensive and simple to cook. Try to select ingredients that can be used to make one-dish meals, thereby limiting the amount of dish washing.

Grocery stores offer countless sensible food choices in which to fill a shopping cart. For example, bean and lentils are smart choices. They can be used as the main dish augmented by vegetables or rice. Brown rice is another good food to purchase because it can be added to meat and vegetables. Although more costly than white rice, brown rice is more nutritious.

Pasta is simple and quick to make. It can be served with meat, vegetables, or salad. Try to buy whole-wheat pasta, since whole wheat is healthier than the regular kind of pasta. Soup is another food purchase that is great for those on a fixed budget.

Soup can be purchased in a can, but the cook can spice it up with leftover meat and vegetables. Sprinkle in herbs and spices to provide the soup with added flavor. The consumer should look for low-sodium soups, since too much salt can be detrimental to anyone's health.

Fresh fruit and vegetables are other important foods that will allow consumers to eat healthy on a budget. They should be purchased once or twice a week. Consumers can also purchase canned fruits and vegetables that may be used to prepare quick meals. Vegetables are good to use in stir-fry dishes or vegetable patties. Fruit serves as a fast, healthy snack, and a good alternative to a sugary candy bar.

When shopping for meat, look for inexpensive cuts that can be put in casseroles and stews. If seafood is desired, try to find inexpensive tuna and salmon. Consumers can buy herbs, spices, and sauces to enhance the flavor of home cooked meals. They can experiment with condiments they don't normally use and explore their creativity in the kitchen. These are all ways people can eat healthy on a budget.