Eating Healthy on A Tight Budget: 6 Ways to Make Your Groceries Stretch

With the rising cost of food and groceries, it can feel like healthy eating is out of reach. Many people find themselves focusing on the total at checkout rather than the nutritional value of the food they put in their basket. But with a few mindful choices and some extra planning, it is possible to have well-balanced, delicious meals that can bolster your long-term health and protect against conditions like heart disease, obesity, or strokes. Read on to discover 6 practical methods for eating well without overspending on your budget.

Affordable Ways to Get in Your 5 Healthy Foods A Day

Fruits and veggies are critical for good, long-term health, but many assume that they may be too expensive to prioritize. The key is to be flexible with how you purchase them. Seasonal produce is usually fresher and surprisingly cheaper while tasting better. Frozen produce can help reduce food waste and can be even easier on the budget, especially in terms of fruits like cherries and berries. Tinned or canned options are also something to consider, if they are packed with water or juice instead of sugar syrup or salt-based brines.

It’s worth checking out the labels of the food you purchase, since some “value” priced cans may be full of unnecessary salt or sugar. Too much salt over time can cause blood pressure to rise and increase the risk of stroke; added sugar can be a major contributor to weight gain. When it’s possible, make a healthier choice, or swap for a vegetable or fruit.