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Eating Healthfully on a Budget mel @ melslife.com
You may think that eating healthfully is only for the rich and famous—well, this is definitely not the case. Eating good foods can be done on any budget, and it has gotten even easier since America’s favorite brands (Tostitos anyone? More on this below!) have taken note of the health wave and have actually caught on. Though I love Whole Foods, I know it is expensive, and that is why I have done my research on shopping smart at other markets. Remember that store brands are always cheaper than name brands, but always make sure to check the ingredients—stores may save money by adding cheap sugars (bad for the immune system) and flours. If you do choose to shop at Whole Foods, buying their 365 brand is usually a great way to go; it is cheaper, and you can almost be sure that they aren’t skimping on quality. For now let’s talk about the basics—oats, peanut butter (or try other nut butters), fruits and veggies, yogurt, cheese, tortilla chips and dips. Once you know how easy it is to find for these products at a conventional market, you can search for anything. When it comes to oats (a great breakfast food, packed with fiber), you can buy store brand. Oats are usually safe, as there are no added sugars (unless you get prepackaged, already sweetened varieties). Whole oats are better than quick oats, but that is a matter of choice—not everyone has the time to make stove-top oatmeal. A package of oatmeal should last you a long time, so your money goes a long way. And, not only are you getting a good deal, you will be eating one of the healthiest breakfast foods you could possibly eat. Always buy your peanut butter unsweetened. Brands like Skippy and Jif are actually mostly sugar, with a little peanut butter added. Have you ever heard the saying, “Why don’t you have a little salad with your dressing.” Well, here we could say, “why don’t you have a little peanut butter with your sugar.” Instead of purchasing a sugar-heavy brand, go for brands with nothing added. Most stores carry at least one brand of sugar-free peanut butter, and although this jar of peanuty goodness may be a little more expensive than its sugar-heavy cousins, believe me, it will be worth it. Also, peanut butter should last you a while—2 tablespoons goes a very long way. I always recommend organic peanut butter. The cheapest price I found was at Trader Joes. When it comes to fruits and veggies, buy organic when possible. Most people would be surprised by how many organic options there are. Though these are definitely more expensive, they are not as pricey as you might expect. When it comes to snacks, buy yogurt, string cheese, tortilla chips (try to buy brands with unsaturated fats), and avocados to make guacamole. Yogurt (and other dairy products) sometimes contains a lot of sugar and can contain artificial ingredients--stick to a brand like Stonyfield, Dannon, or Continental. When buying cheese, make sure to look for brands containing little or no preservatives and no artificial colors. Frito-Lay now makes tortilla chips which contain no bad ingredients and actually contain good fats. If you want a cheaper option, buy the store brand. As you can see, the options for healthy eating are endless. It is possible to find healthy items anywhere you go; you just may have to be a little more creative. Being budget-conscious does not mean you need to eat fast food for every meal—compare brands and you will be eating well in no time!
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