Eat Healthy on a Budget?

Yes, you can.  Homemakers and caregivers, we all share one thing: we have to feed our families.

The fast-food trap. To ‘save time’ we wreck our healthy plans and perhaps our budgets.

The healthy food trap.

Those “healthy” frozen options with colorful photos of good vegetables and lean meats are often filled with sodium, fats, sugars.

You need a plan. It is said, “without a plan to succeed, we plan to fail.” I want to help you succeed in providing healthy meals every day. Caring in this way reaps great benefits both to you and to your loved ones.

I found this website jam packed with helpful information on healthy eating … click here.  You can learn to create a shopping list, prepare foods for storage, and dozens of helpful hints and great, easy to prepare recipes that will save you time and dollars.

#1 Plan ahead. It’s no surprise – mealtime is an every day occurrence! Rescue yourself from the hassle of last-minute shopping or quick-to-fix meals – stock pantry with healthy choices.

#2 Consider nutritional needs; study the healthy options. How much is too much sugar, salt and fats? What are good alternatives for sugar or salt? I learned the hard way the sodium in cottage cheese and tuna fish were worse for me than other choices.

#3 Purchase in bulk. Is there another family that will share large packages with you? Look for bulk stores near you. And be aware of bulk spices that you use often. I save about 1/2 on cinnamon by purchasing at our local Amish store. We use a lot and it mounts up to savings.

#4 Try new recipes.  There are wonderful alternatives to our old, familiar recipes that incorporate more vegetables and fruits and less fats and sugars. Check out my article: Cut Sodium and Add Nutrition with Herbs and Spices.  

#5 Stock up on storage items. With proper containers handy, you are less likely to waste leftovers. Don’t forget marking pens so you can label and date each item (especially in the freezer, see #6.)

#6 Cook more than you need.  I have very little time to cook and the two of us don’t need large meals. However, I make huge pots of sketti, soups, stews, meatloaves, baked chicken, etc. With storage items ready, I fill my freezer with healthy, home cooked options. Add a salad or veggies and fruit for dessert, I have it!

#7 Convenience costs more.  Purchase whole chickens, shred or grate your own cheese, Salad doesn’t have to be so expensive: a head of lettuce last longer than bagged and costs less. Avoid instant rice, cereals, etc.

#8 Smuggle in some veggies if needed.  Here’s what I do to save time, money, and add nutrition.  I buy slaw salad when on sale and freeze the pkgs. When I make soups, I add the finely chopped slaw instead of potatoes. My husband doesn’t like lots of veggies but will eat anything chopped finely and added to casseroles, soups, egg dishes and others.

Please let me hear from you; and do follow the links. I think you’ll enjoy them. In fact, here’s another real fun one … 44 Healthy Foods Under $1.   I will say, some of them aren’t coming to my kitchen, but the list over all is great food for thought.

Hugs,

I’m hungry now … guess I’ll go get a carrot (or brownie — not!)