Eating Healthy on a Budget
“There are never any coupons for meat and produce” or “I can’t save and eat healthy” or “We don’t eat processed foods so it’s impossible to save on groceries” are just some of the reasons that people think that they can not save money on their groceries and eat healthy too. I’m here to tell you that these are all simply not true. It is possible to eat healthy and save on your groceries.
As most of you know my back story, six years ago my husband lost his job twice in one year. With bills backing up and kids in college, we were struggling to find a way to keep a float and feed our family. Couponing became my solution and helped us get through those months of unemployment. I had taken a $15,000 a year grocery “budget” and chopped it down to just $50 a week. It wasn’t easy but we did it.
Six months later, we were so grateful when he became employed again but we continued to keep our grocery budget down and pay off ALL our debt. It took us a long four years but we did it and couldn’t be happier.
During those years I wasn’t much concerned with exactly what I ate but rather, eating in general. Now that our financial situation is better, I have allowed us some wiggle room in our budget to spend more on more healthful foods. Yes, I do spend a bit more on my groceries these days but I’m saving in so many other areas that it frees up extra money in my grocery budget for things like hormone free chicken, grass feed beef, organic and nut milks, organic eggs and some organic produce. Yes I know, there are not many coupons for hormone free chicken or grass feed beef but, as I always say, have an open mind and you’ll be surprise at how you can save.
For instance, one of the ways we just saved on organic meat was when a new Whole Foods recently opened up in my area. They had a $15 off $50 coupon available for their grand opening. What did I buy? Well, organic meats of course. We stocked up on $100 worth of organic meats (my husband and I both did a transaction) for just $70. Another way we save is to search out bulk prices on ingredients we use often in our cooking. I have found products like Chia Seeds, Organic Coconut Palm Sugar at places like Homegoods at discounted prices. And I have a new found love of cooking and preparing all these great simple & healthy foods, which, is so much cheaper (and better for you) than buying premade items.
With all that said, through this Eating Healthy on a Budget Series, I’m going to share some tips and tricks on how to eat healthy and save money on your grocery bill. It’s really easier then you think.
Here are some of the topics we will be talking about over the next few weeks:
- Invest in 10 staple items
- Using Coupons to Save on Organic Products
- Be Selective on the Things you Spend More Money On
- How to Keep your Meals Simple & Healthy
- Shop in Season
- Grow your own
- Shop online, take advantage of rebates
- Joining a co-op
- Cook Ahead and Freeze
- Why Eating Whole Foods is More Filling
- Reduce your Meat by Substituting Beans
- and more
What are some tips you have to eat healthy for less? Also, I’d love to address your questions in future posts in this series so be sure to put your questions in the comments.
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