“Healthy food is so expensive!”
We’ve all heard that or been guilty of saying that, haven’t we?
The thing is, it’s not always true.
People look at stores like Whole Foods, a store that recently got in trouble for overcharging customers, and think they can’t afford to eat well.
Sure, Ramen is insanely cheap, but have you seen the price of things like McDonald’s recently? In 2005, a Big Mac was $3.06 and in 2012 it was $4.45. Are they insane?
(Also, I know, I know, economics/inflation, etc., but roll with my point.)
That doesn’t mean eating healthy is always cheap, either. However, there are tricks here and there to eating well and also saving money.
Here are 5 of my favorite tips right now:
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Ripe vegetables and fruit.
There are quite a few stores here in my city that offer discounted fruits and veggies (even organic!) when they’re fully ripe and only have a limited amount of shelf days left.
Instead of throwing them away, there are a few stores that discount them to get rid of them. People are so weird when they hear this because they think it means it’s like moldy and full of bugs or something. It’s just ripe. Chill, weirdos.
2. Specialty stores.
I just discovered this secret recently, but I am OBSESSED with small, specialty grocery stores. I have spent a ridiculous amount of money at this Asian market just a few blocks from my house.
Compared to the bigger stores, this small store has rice for a FOURTH of the price. I eat an insane amount of rice, so I am in all kinds of heaven. They also have boxes that contain hundreds of tea bags for just $3. IT IS HEAVEN.
Don’t be scared to try stores that you haven’t been in before.
3. Buying in bulk.
When most people think of bulk, they only think of stores like Costco. While I’m wildly in love with Costco, I also have learned that a lot of stores sell items in HUGE quantities through their online options. Which leads to point #4:
4. Online shopping.
You guys, there is SO MUCH cheap, healthy food online. There are so many stores that want to get customers hooked on their online shopping option that discounts are basically everywhere. Plus, having food delivered is awesome, let’s keep it real.
5. Meals that make a lot of servings.
Going back to my earlier point, I love rice. I have a rice cooker that pretty much makes everything heaven. Cooking a whole batch makes about five meals for the next few days.
Any healthy meal options that are just single serving is a quick way to blow through your food budget if you need to save money.
Excuses are for suckers. Don’t let expensive food get in the way of your goals. Hack the system and make it happen.
Writers Lift Too 
Reblogged this on Dream Big, Dream Often and commented:
The number 1 excuse when poor eaters start making excuses is eating healthy is too expensive. Here are a few tips.
Thank you so much for the share!
My pleasure!
Great ideas. Going to the fish market to buy fish is infinitely cheaper than getting fish in the supermarket and this holds for vegetables and fruit too. One needs immense patience to be able to look around for options and even indulge in taking the difficult path to good health.
I agree 100%! Thank you for reading!
Good post. One other thing I’ve found here is buying direct from the farm, when possible. Have a couple farms in the area, was getting tons of fresh vegetables – now the season’s winding down so it’s hold till next year. But I’ve learned how to freeze a lot of them, hold them for multiple uses, like the cooking for many meals thing. Also something I do. Thanks for posting this. Good stuff.
That is such a good point! I can’t believe I forgot to mention farmers markets or going to a local farm. Thank you for mentioning that!
Thank you. I love the line ” Excuses are for Suckers”.
Thank you! 🙂
Thanks for sharing these wonderful tips for eating healthy that too in the budget. After reading this, first time I opted to shop online and it was a great experience. Got a great deal as well as it saved a lot of my time.
I’m so sorry on the delay, I just saw this! I’m so glad to have helped. 🙂