Clean Eating On A Budget

Although a lifestyle, clean eating is often thought to be expensive, its possible to engage in clean eating on a budget.

Whole Foods Market, an american supermarket chain store specializing in organic food, is commonly known as “Whole Paycheck” due to its high prices, has focused on a budget-friendly options for consumers.

Today many people are interested in healthy eating, and not just for weight loss.

Clean eating on a budget is possible, and it’s time to look at the facts and how you can do it.

Healthy Living Starts Here login learn more

Organic Foods Cost More

When you look at the snack aisle in the convenience store, you will always find that it is cheaper than healthy foods.

Cambridge University found in a study that people spend three times more on healthy foods compared to unhealthy options.

According to Harvard School of Public Health, it can costs $550 more to opt for fish, vegetables, fruits and nuts instead of processed foods and refined grains.

How To Eat Clean On A Budget

Clean eating doesn’t need to cost a fortune. With some planning and following certain tips, you can shop smart and cheaper. Here are 9 tips for clean eating on a budget.

Focus On In-Season Options

Items that are in-season are easier to source. As a result, companies keep the costs lower.

The best news is that in-season products taste better and have more nutrition.

Your store will be able to help point you in the direction of in-season items. If your grocery shopping in the summer, look for fruits and vegetables that are in season.

Know When You Don’t Need Organic

Not everything you eat needs to be organic. Some items when grown commercially, the chemical use is limited.

Fruits and vegetables on “The Dirty Dozen” list, when conventionally grown, tested positive for at least 47 different chemicals, with some testing positive for as many as 67.

You should definitely go organic when consuming any item on the dirty dozen list unless your ok with consuming tons of chemicals. “The Dirty Dozen” list includes:

celery

peaches

strawberries

apples

domestic blueberries

nectarines

sweet bell peppers

spinach, kale and collard greens

cherries

potatoes

imported grapes

lettuce

On the other hand, “The Clean 15” contain little to no traces of pesticides, and is safe to consume in non organic form. “The Clean 15” list includes:

onions

avocados

sweet corn

pineapples

mango

sweet peas

asparagus

kiwi fruit

cabbage

eggplant

cantaloupe

watermelon

grapefruit

sweet potatoes

sweet onions

Source: DavidSuzuki.org

Opt For Store Brands

There’s nothing wrong with opting for store brands. This isn’t like opting for knockoff handbags!

The store brands often taste just as great—sometimes better—than the commercial brands, but have a lower price tag. They often come in large amounts, so you can bulk buy.

Bulk Buy When Possible

Buying in bulk is a great way to keep the cost down on items such as nut butters, grain, beans, olive oil and spices.

Buy Cheaper Cuts Of Meat

Eat more affordably, especially when entertaining, by eating tougher cuts of red meat, or bone-in dark poultry meat.

Make Your Own Dressings And Sauces

Instead of paying $3 to $8 for a bottle of salad dressing filled with chemicals opt for home made version. A simple olive oil dressing will cost pennies.

Opt For Frozen Foods

You don’t have to buy fresh just because you’re clean eating. Frozen fruits and vegetables are not only allowed, but are more affordable.

You will still get nutrients from them, as they are frozen as soon as they’re picked; when they’re at their ripest.

There are often store brand versions of frozen items, also helping to keep your costs down, and you can often buy them in bulk.

Freeze Your Leftovers

Not all meals will be eaten in one setting. Freezing your leftovers will really help to keep the cost down, and also offers you the convenience of heating your food after a long day at work.

You can also freeze nutrients and lock in the flavours. Consider making double the recipe and freezing extra portions to save time and cost.

Use An Online Menu Planner

It will save you money, you will eat better & become organized for weeks even months to stay on track with better habits.

A meal planner app and grocery list organizer is powerful yet simple to use. It’s great for organizing your recipes.

You can build your meal plan with this app from your recipe list onto a calendar, and it will automatically generate your shopping list week by week.

Access 100’s of healthy recipes.

If you need some help getting started in eating clean, consider trying the no junk food challenge.

From candy, donuts to soda and alcohol, junk food can be a major hinderance in achieving or maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Start living healthy and take the no junk food route today.