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You might think that eating healthy can cost a fortune. After all, organic food costs more than traditionally grown fruits and vegetables. However, it doesn’t have to cost more, especially when you plan ahead. You’ll find that meal planning can save money, while improving your overall health. Many of my clients in Chino Hills, CA say that once they got into the groove with the program, it actually saved time, too.
If you find many of your meals are carryout or from the frozen food section of the grocery, it’s time to start planning healthier alternatives.
Starting a program of healthy eating means changing a lot of old habits. In fact, the core of those changes is planning ahead. It all starts by first finding what’s on sale at the grocery that week. Focus on the fresh fruits and vegetables, particularly the seasonal ones. Then find healthy recipes that use them. Plan every meal, making sure to use all the ingredients or can freeze what’s not used for that particular week. Many fresh herbs can be frozen and used later.
Save money on buying organic.
It’s not necessary to make sure all fruits and vegetables are organic. That can save money. Select organic for food on the Dirty Dozen list. The Dirty Dozen is a list of fruits and vegetables created by the Environmental Working Group that after washing and testing, still have high levels of pesticide. The list includes: Strawberries, spinach, kale, nectarines, apples, grapes, peaches, cherries, pear, tomatoes, celery and potatoes, in that order. You can save money by buying traditionally grown fruits and veggies from the Clean Fifteen list, those with the least pesticides. They include: Avocados, sweet corn, pineapples, frozen sweet peas, onions, papayas, eggplants, asparagus, kiwis, cabbages, cauliflower, cantaloupes, broccoli, mushrooms and honeydew melons.
Save time by making extra for the freezer when you cook for the week on the weekend.
Once you get started, you’ll find it’s far less expensive to make your own meals. Not only does it provide healthy food with ingredients you control, it also saves money and time. When you make meals, double the recipe so you have a meal to freeze. Eventually, you’ll only have to make one or two meals a week, using the extra you made.
- You’ll find it’s far less expensive to create your own meals than opt for carryout or premade frozen dishes. You’ll end up with a fatter wallet, with less fat on your body.
- Don’t forget to prepare healthy snacks ahead. Having snacks ready to eat, like freshly cut melons or nuts and seeds, can boost your nutrition and help keep weight under control.
- Get the family involved in making meals. Everyone can help. It’s a good way to teach children about planning ahead, nutrition and saving money.
- While eating healthy is important for weight loss and good health, so is a program of regular exercise. At One Love Fit Club, you can get five classes and official One Love Fit Club Boxing gloves for just $29.99. That’s a huge savings, too.