​​Diet doesn’t need to expensive​

Healthy eating is frequently seen as an expensive undertaking because it is assumed that buying organic foods, fresh vegetables, and having well-balanced meals will set you back a lot of money. However, establishing a healthy eating regimen on a budget is entirely doable. Anyone can feed their body with nourishing food without going broke with a little forethought, inventiveness, and wise buying. Here are some doable tips for eating healthily while staying within your means.

Sumiaya A, Clinical Dietitian, Fortis Hospital Kalyan says, “First and foremost, you must schedule your meals in advance. Making a comprehensive list of the ingredients you require through meal planning helps you avoid making impulsive purchases and minimizes food waste.”

1. ​​Plan your meals in advance​

Spend a little time each week planning your meals, taking into account the nutrients you want to include and the products you already have. By doing this, you may concentrate on purchasing exactly what is required and stop spending money on things you don’t need.

2. Focus on whole foods​​

“Choose as many whole, unprocessed foods as you can when you go grocery shopping. Lean meats, whole grains, legumes, and fresh fruits & vegetables are not only inexpensive but also full of vital nutrients. Consider purchasing seasonal vegetables because it is frequently inexpensive and plentiful,” says Sumiaya.

3. Cook at home​​

Preparing your meals at home is another affordable method to eat well. In addition to being more expensive, eating out or purchasing prepared meals might result in the consumption of too many calories, bad fats, and sodium. You can choose healthier options because you have control over the ingredients and portion size when you prepare your meals from scratch.

4. ​​Buy in bulk​​

According to Sumiaya, “A great way to save money and encourage healthy eating is to buy in bulk. Compared to traditional grocery stores, warehouse stores offer a large selection of pantry essentials at much lower rates, including whole grains, nuts, seeds, and dried legumes. Think about paying for a membership to a bulk shop and never undervalue the impact of easy, homemade snacks”.

5. Choose healthy alternatives​​

Avoid expensive processed foods that are frequently loaded with chemicals, harmful fats, and sugar. Choose homemade alternatives instead, such as air-popped popcorn, roasted nuts, or energy balls prepared from inexpensive ingredients like Oats, Peanut Butter, and dried fruits. These snacks are not only far more affordable, but they are also healthier.

The takeaway​​

“Making smart decisions and using creative cooking methods and buying techniques are the key to prioritizing your health without spending too much. You may adopt a healthy lifestyle while staying within your budget if you use a little imagination,” says Sumiaya.