| You'll often find that what's good for your health is also good for your wallet. That's because preparing your own food is one of the best ways to make sure you're making healthy choices. It's also a great way to save money compared to eating out or buying prepared meals. |
| Healthy Budget Tips |
- Shop on the edge. Try to concentrate your shopping around the outer aisles of the store and avoid the inner aisles. The outer aisles tend to house the fresh vegetables, meats, eggs and dairy products. The inner aisles tend to contain mostly processed foods, which are more expensive and less healthy.
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- Don't shop on an empty stomach. It's as true as ever: If you head to the grocery store hungry, you're more likely to give into impulse and buy expensive, unhealthy junk food. Have a healthy snack, like a piece of fruit or a quick salad, before you head out.
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- Your freezer, your friend. Stock up on healthy ingredients when they're on sale, and freeze what you can't use right away. You'll save money, and you'll always have healthy ingredients on hand.
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- Make extra. When you cook healthy foods, make extra portions. That way, you'll always have healthy, inexpensive food on hand, and you'll be less tempted to eat out.
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- Make a list. Keep a grocery shopping list and pen handy in your kitchen. When you realize you are out or running out of an item, write it down. When you get to the store, you'll know exactly what you need.
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- Reduce waste. It's happened to all of us - those cukes or peppers looked so tasty in the store, but at home got pushed to the back of the veggie crisper drawer and forgotten. To help reduce waste (and encourage eating more healthy snacks) clean fruits and vegetables as soon as you get home from the supermarket. Then, store in clear plastic bags or containers so they get the attention they deserve.
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- Plan ahead. Plan at least one week at a time to reduce the temptation to eat unhealthy food when time is tight and you're tired after a long day.
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