By: Jenna Satell –
The dining hall days are over. When you realize that ramen for dinner every night just isn’t cutting it, it’s time to go grocery shopping. If you’re stuck between wanting to eat healthier and wanting to spend as little as possible, fear not. Here are four tips to healthy grocery shopping on a budget.
Frozen over fresh
Buying frozen fruits and veggies is key to stocking up on produce without spending too much. A lot of standard produce will last for as little as one week, so buying it repeatedly can become costly. There is a huge selection of frozen fruits and veggies at stores like Trader Joe’s and Wegmans. Along with produce, you can also buy frozen meats ( Tyson Chicken Breast Strips), veggie burgers (Wegmans Veggie Burgers, Hi-Protein Veggie Burgers), and healthy meals (Cauliflower Gnocchi).
Plan before you buy
Before you go to the store, make a list of all the things you need. But only buy what you know you will eat and once you’ve made your list, stick to it! You can get off track once you see other options, so learn how to say no when you see an item that catches your eye.
Stay away from temptations
In order to spend less, you’re going to have to cut some things out, such as the sugary foods high in saturated fats. Buying small amounts to fulfill a quick craving is natural and healthy, but try to avoid buying chips, cookies, and other snacks in bulk. And never go to the grocery store on an empty stomach because you’ll end up buying whatever looks appetizing at the moment.
Switch it up
It’s tough saying “no” to food you love, so this is where healthy alternatives come into play. Instead of loading up on standard white bread, try out Ezekiel Bread. It’s 100 percent sprouted and doesn’t have any added sugars. If you want something sweet, look for non-dairy ice cream like this So Delicious coconut milk ice cream. There are a ton of alternatives available, so do your research before you head to the store.
By utilizing these tips and tricks, you’ll feel relieved at the checkout counter. Keep your goals in mind and know that eating healthy doesn’t have to break the bank.