Healthy Eating on a Budget

Eating healthy. It's the one thing I think everyone tries to do. Some are better than others at it. We all have our excuses. Eating healthy is TOO expensive, TOO hard, TOO time consuming. What I am here to say it that it is possible. For the past 4 years I have been in college, I have learned a thing or two about how to manage my small budget to make room for healthy food. So maybe my first week I delighted in eating Ramen Noodles and Mac and Cheese, but eventually I wanted some fruit, veggies, and a healthy balanced meal.

So I am here to share my wisdom today on how to make the best choices in the grocery store. These are my top 5 tips on how I eat healthy on a budget.

1. Never grocery shop on an empty stomach. You will ALWAYS end up with extra junk food you don't need. Try eating a hearty meal before you go.

2. Plan a menu. If you take the time to plan meals and what ingredients you need for each meal, you will arrive home with what you really need. The worst thing is opening the fridge full of food with no idea what you can make with all the random ingredients you have.

3. Take a look at the grocery store ads that come in the mail. I know, I know. It doesn't sound like the best thing to do with you time, but trust me. You can find the best deals on items you already need like meat, fruit, veggies, etc for cheaper.

4. Don't be afraid to check the dollar store. This may seem odd, but all items found in the picture below were purchased for .99 cents at our local .99 cent store. The produce selection is limited, but you can base your meals around the food that is cheap and good for you! Also farmers markets are a great way to find healthy food for cheap.

5. Utilize pinterest for menu planning. Pinterest isn't just for pictures of well dressed skinny women and home decor. Pinterest is the ultimate place to store all of your healthy recipes you have always wanted to make. Be inspired and follow people who make healthy items on a budget.