Eating Healthfully on a Budget

A major misconception that a lot of people have about eating a diet consisting of healthy, whole foods is that it is going to be more expensive than what they are currently spending on groceries.  This is actually not the case!  Trust me.  When I first started on this diet, I was by no means well off financially. I was a fresh-out-of-college young professional who had just lost her job.  I didn't just want to start a pure foods diet; I needed a diet that was going to allow me to work with my limited budget.

So here are 10 tips for eating healthfully while working on a limited budget.  I think you'll find them very useful and be glad that you didn't have to learn them the hard way like I did.

# 1 - Buy a surplus of fruits and vegetables and be creative.  Whole foods are multi-purpose.  There are endless numbers of different wraps, salads or veggie combinations that are  delicious and simple to make.  Let the ingredients speak for themselves.  Think of your job as to balance the flavors that are already in the food. It's already there, you're just putting it together and making it pretty. That's my approach and it totally works!        

# 2 - Create a staple grocery list.  There are several very affordable grocery items that you should always have on hand that are not only nutritious but will really help enhance your meals.  Here is a list I came up with:

1. Lettuce
2. Sun-dried tomatoes
3. Lemon
4. Seeds and/or nuts
5. Vinegar (Bragg's apple cider vinegar or try raw coconut vinegar)
6. Seaweeds (i.e. Dulse, wakame, hijiki, arame, etc.)
   
7. Avocados
   
8. Fresh herbs and dried spices
   
9. Cayenne
10. Raw, fermented vegetables or kimchee

# 3 - Invite people over for a potluck meals.  Not only is this a great way to pool your resources it gives you the opportunity to spend time with your friends and family.

# 4 - Check for discounted produce and sales FIRST.  Many grocery stores greatly reduce the cost on produce that is on it's way out or has a couple of bruises.  These foods are perfectly good or else they wouldn't be selling them. Look for these discounted items as well as any sales that are going on in the store FIRST.  Then shop for what else you may need. 

# 5 - Keep a good protein powder on hand.  I recommend keeping a protein powder around so that you can easily make a delicious, nutrient packed smoothie whenever you need it.

# 6 - Eat real food.  Processed foods, although they may seem affordable, the financial cost as well as the health costs add up. Stick with the fresh fruits and vegetables and you'll lower your household costs as well as your medical bills. Packaged foods, organic are not, can not and will not provide the same benefit as the food in it's freshest, purest form, besides for a few exceptions.

# 7 - Avoid spontaneous trips out to eat.  Eating out at restaurants is a luxury that can get rather expensive. So keep it to a minimum and be prepared when you go out.  Bring snacks with you and enjoy moderation.  This will undoubtedly reduce the amount of money you spend of food.

# 8 - Keep your blood sugar regulated.  Avoiding spikes and crashes in your blood sugar that lead to cravings and binging will benefit your wallet as well as your pancreas and overall health. Take your enzyme supplements, chromium and other minerals, particularly trace minerals, as well as plenty of spices and herbs like cayenne, turmeric and cinnamon, while watching not to overeat. These things will all help you maintain your blood sugar.

# 9 - Purchase a juicer.  Yes, this requires some upfront cost.  If you're really strapped for cash, you can get a juicer second-hand online for cheap. People are always selling these types of appliances. Shop around; you'll find one that fits your budget. Fresh juice is incredibly good for you and gives your digestive system a chance to relax because it does not contain any (or very little) fibers which your body would need to break down.  AND it is extremely cost effective!  Get the most mileage out of your fruits and vegetables by juicing the leftover ends, leaves and stems.  These parts are just as nutritious if not more nutritious than the fruit or vegetable itself.

# 10 - Plan out your meals.  Planning your meals is extremely helpful in making sure you get the most out of your groceries.  This does not have to be difficult.  Move at your own pace and get to know what and how much food you need and how often.  The more planning the more likely you will have all the nourishing meals you need in the right quantities.  Purchase a journal or board to write your meals on and hang it in your kitchen.  Be creative and you'll feel like you have your own personal chef.

I hope you find this information useful.  Please feel free to add a comment with your own tips and tactics on maintaining a diet of fresh, raw fruits and vegetables on a budget.

To your constant Health and Healing,

Victoria Moon