If you’re like many people, you dread dieting and think it has to cost a fortune. Here’s a news flash! It can be far cheaper than fast food, better for you and even more rewarding. In fact, dieting on a budget can save you a lot of money! How can that be? First, consider what you’re presently eating. If you’re eating at a “cheap” fast food joint, one meal can cost $10 or more. If you purchase a week’s worth of groceries for one when you meal plan, it can cost as little as $35, depending on what you’re eating. That’s half the cost and you’ll get a healthier meal.
Food doesn’t have to be right out of the garden.
You can use frozen and canned fruits and vegetables when you make your own meals. Canned or frozen food not only saves you money but be fresher. Frozen food is picked and immediately processed and frozen, unlike the produce in groceries that are picked early, transported to market and been on the shelf for a while. Canned food has slightly fewer nutrients but is still a good option. Always read ingredients to make sure there are no additives.
When you plan meals ahead, you reap savings.
Meal planning is a huge benefit for your budget. There’s no waste. Are chicken breasts on the menu? Buy a whole chicken and use the rest of the parts for other meals, like tasty healthy wings, chicken salad or soup. Soup is the great budget saver. You can use the extra parts from the chicken for the broth and chicken bits and any leftover veggies from the week for a delicious, just add salad meal. You also can double up the recipe and freeze for later, using the stove less.
Find less expensive types of protein.
Sure, steak is delicious, but eating it every night can be expensive and isn’t really that healthy. Use plant-based sources of protein to save money. A meatless Monday can include brown rice and red beans for a complete protein. Canned tuna is also another savings that’s healthy. Always read the label and make sure it’s just tuna and water. It’s a healthy option that’s versatile. Eggs, turkey, chicken, cottage cheese, hard cheese and yogurt are also good protein sources. Buy a whole chicken and cut it yourself for various meals during the week or freeze part of it for another week.
- One rewarding way people save money is by growing some of their own food. You don’t have to have a lot of land, just a sunny area for a container. Container gardening can provide many ingredients for pennies.
- Find in-season bargains on fruits and vegetables on the grocery shelves, since many local farmers sell to local grocers. If you drive through a country area with roadside stands, stop and shop for bargains.
- Choosing organic can help prevent ingesting toxic chemicals and pesticides, but not all produce needs to be organic. Choose non-organic food from the Clean 15 list created by the EWG. It’s the list of non-organic produce with little or no pesticides.
- Buy in bulk and freeze the extra. You’ll be amazed at what can be frozen, including butter and nuts. You can also spend a morning with the family at a You-Pick farm for more savings and get a good workout at the same time.
For more information, contact us today at Rising Fitness Gym