Eating healthy does not have to be expensive; it can be done without having to stretch your budget. A lot of people liken maintaining healthy eating to being expensive. However, contrary to popular belief this is not true. Eating healthy is a lot cheaper than we think.
This belief is widespread but contrary to popular belief, eating healthy is a lot cheaper than you think, says Renny Letswalo, Health Coach and Managing Director of Cambridge Weight Plan Southern Africa.
“While a frozen pizza may be cheaper than grilled salmon steaks covered in vegetables for example, there are most definitely long terms implications and costs of eating pizza frequently over the course of a year,” says Letswalo.
You may temporarily save money, but you may have to pay in other ways, such as through serious illnesses like obesity and diabetes to name a few.
“It is possible to cook healthier foods at a lower cost, but this does require planning and preparation,” says Letswalo.
Prepare home-cooked meals
One of the most effective ways to save money and stick to your budget is to start cooking your own food. Preparing your own meals will help determine how healthy your food is; you get to prepare your own meals in the healthiest ways. For example grilling food as opposed to frying.
Eating out costs more and in most cases the food is not always healthy. Plan your meals and do your grocery shopping according to your meal requirements.
Buy foods that are in season
Fruits and vegetables that are in season are usually at their tastiest, most nutritious and cheapest. Buying food that is locally produced will also help you save money because it usually costs less than imported food. Additionally, buy food from a farm shop as opposed to supermarket. Supermarkets get their stock from farms and will sell their goods at higher prices. Not only will you save money but you will also be contributing to your country’s economically by buying locally stocked food.
Buy whole ingredients
Rather than buying chicken breasts or drumsticks separately. Buy a full chicken, it will cost you less.
Plant your own vegetables, herbs and fruit in your backyard
Planting your own fruits and vegetables isn’t as difficult as it seems.
A small patch of land can produce all the greens you need to eat a nutritious meal.
With advanced and creative methods, even with no land and space, you can opt to grow your vegetables in urban areas such as in a pot plant.
This way, you will get to save money and get other health benefits such as manage your stress levels through working in your garden.
Frozen is equally as good
It is a lot healthier to avoid processed and canned foods. By doing so you get to monitor the use of ingredients as well as know exactly what you are eating.
“Not only are many healthy foods more accessible than many believe, often healthier organic alternatives can be cheaper than their processed counterparts,” says Letswalo.
“Even in cases where eating healthier is more expensive, the health care costs associated with having a poorer diet of processed foods dwarf the short term savings of a cheaper diet.”
Article sourced from https://citizen.co.za/lifestyle/fitness-and-health-your-life-your-life/2004529/how-to-eat-healthy-on-a-budget/
