Healthy Eating Ideas

Food is often considered one of the most prominent budgetary items in any household budget. Many households utilize coupons and other tactics to save money on food to guide their grocery choices. This is one of the reasons that many people opt for less healthy meal choices because they are often less expensive. Although some healthy food items may be expensive, it's still possible to eat healthy even on a tight budget.

Some Helpful Hints are Listed Below

Eliminate junk food
Sometimes shopping by yourself is a good thing. Children, especially, tend to pick out unwanted junk food. If you shop by yourself you won't feel obligated to buy that junk food. In addition, make sure that you are not going to the grocery store hungry! You will find many junk food options appealing during your state of hunger and you may pick up items spontaneously that are not necessarily the best option for your health, but rather serve your immediate cravings for hunger satisfaction.

Choose water or milk instead of soft drinks
When going out to an event or special occasion, it's okay to enjoy your favorite beverage, but you may want to choose the smallest size to save both money and calories. Adults and children alike need to have milk on a daily basis. Milk is an excellent source of calcium, which helps bones grow, and teeth become strong. It is amazing how much fat you can eliminate from your diet simply by choosing to drink water. In addition, water allows your caloric intake to taper since it contains no calories, and of course, no fat. Especially if you are a big soda drinker, you will experience a immediate feeling of health once you eliminate your body's dependency on caffeine and sugary beverages.

Buy fruit in bulk
It's often a good idea to buy fruit in quantities when in season. Fruit can always be frozen for future use. Make sure to wash and dry the fruit well, then freeze in plastic zip lock bags or containers. Remember to bring food out to the tables and counters in your home to serve as a reminder to eat them. Not only does a bowl of fruit add character to your décor, it also will lead to your increased fruit consumption and ultimately better health.

Eat lean meats and beans
Meats and beans are good sources of protein. Although you may pay slightly more for some lean meats, canned beans can save money and are a good source of protein. You get a great deal for less money. You can save even more money if you purchase dry beans and cook them yourself. Beans can be cooked in bulk and can be frozen for uses over longer periods of time. There are also many creative recipes that can be made with different selections of beans. Check out all the options and select ones that suit your taste buds on your road to better health.

Use beans as a substitute for meat
Using beans as a substitute for meat is a great way to save money and calories. Beans can be prepared in many ways (such as a crock pot), so you can also spend less time cooking.

The USDA recommends eating beans at least four times a week. Make sure to wash the beans properly and bring the water to a boil before you cook them, and you will avoid the potential for any embarrassing “gassy” moments.

Eat fish
If you live near a coastal area or anywhere fish are readily available, you may even be able to skip the market and catch them yourself, which is a definite money-saver! Make sure that you follow all the standard precautions for cooking and eating fresh fish, and if you are storing fish for later consumption, make sure that you follow all the standard guidelines to prevent health issues that could arise from eating food that is unhealthy for consumption.

Eat Peanut Butter 

Peanut butter is a popular food product that can be used in a variety of ways. Substitute peanut butter for meat in a sandwich. It can be bought in bulk or large jars, and can be stored for weeks or even months. There are many additional ingredients that can be added to a sandwich to make your meal more interesting, not just jelly!

Fill up on foods that are high in water content
Some examples are high water-content foods include watermelon, salads, and sugar free gelatin. This will help fill your stomach, but limit the fat and calories that you are taking in.

You can't go wrong with eating healthy, and it's even possible to eat healthy on a budget. In other words, you don't have to be rich and famous to have the lifestyle and health you've always wanted.