Eating a healthy diet has many health benefits, including helping you maintain an appropriate weight and reducing your risk of diet-related diseases, such as diabetes. But if you aren't careful, the cost of a healthy diet can add up quickly. But don't despair if you need to watch your costs. You can still eat a nutritionally healthy diet on a budget, if you plan carefully.
Use Cheaper Cuts of Meat
Use inexpensive cuts of meat, including ground beef or ground turkey, chicken, beef chuck steak and turkey. Chicken is cheapest when you buy whole fryer chickens or other types with bone and skin, which you would remove yourself. Use smaller amounts of meat in your diet and make it more of an accent to your meals than a main course.
Buy Cheaper Vegetables
Frozen or canned vegetables are often a better value than fresh. Buy plain frozen or canned vegetables instead of those prepared with sauces. Buy fresh vegetables when they are in season, when they are cheaper.
Use the Same Ingredients in Multiple Meals
Meal planning is cheaper when you use the same ingredients in multiple meals. For example, roast a whole-boned chicken for dinner on one day, and use the leftovers in another meal, such as chicken soup or chicken enchiladas. Soak dried beans; you can use one-half of them in chili and the other one-half in beans and rice.
Use Fillers
Meat and vegetables can be the most expensive parts of your meals. Use inexpensive foods, such as potatoes, rice or bread, to stretch the food further and make meals more filling. Texturized vegetable protein can be used to stretch ground beef.
Avoid Nutritionally Poor Foods
Nutritionally poor foods, such as sodas and chips, offer extra calories but no nutrients. These foods should be especially limited or avoided when you are trying to plan meals on a tight budget. Drink water and eat fruits and vegetables for snacks.
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