Given the current economic climate, I wanted to choose a topic that I thought would be interesting and helpful to us all. Eating healthily on a budget!
The average weekly welfare wage in America is roughly $98, and the average Job Seekers Allowance in the UK is £60.50. It doesn’t sound like a lot but I want to encourage people that it is possible to eat healthily on a minimum wage and not just opt for one of the many cheap fast food meals. Let’s not forget, in most cases, you get what you pay for!
In certain parts of America, it can appear as though all that available is fast food (not surprisingly, often in areas of high unemployment). It’s a vicious circle where the only winner is corporate America. A lot of people are totally unaware of the short and long term damage that this food can have on our bodies. Obesity is at an all time high and not just in the states, 1 in 4 people in the UK are obese. I want to show that eating nutritious food doesn’t have to be expensive Below are some tips for eating on a budget;
- At the beginning of the week, sit down and make a plan for what food you would like to eat. This will enable you to keep within your budget when you are out shopping.
- Put the menu for the week up on the fridge or somewhere else visible to everyone.
- Take a packed lunch to work; if you think about it, you can spend around $10/£7 a day on lunch, that’s $50/£35 a week gone already! Make it the night before and get creative. This way you can also control what you eat as well as how much you spend.
- Shop around, even food goes on sale!
- Have a look for your local market.
- I usually do my weekly shop in Wholefoods and yes it can be expensive but they also have great prices on their own brand products.
- Don’t trust yourself walking around a supermarket? Then shop online, this way you can control what you are buying and won’t get tempted by all the delicious foods and smells!
- I sometimes shop online through Fresh Direct and I make sure I do a search online for free delivery coupons. I’m yet to pay for a delivery which saves me $5! The store also has lots of special offers available.
- Choose just the right amount to last you the week. I’m always amazed at how little vegetables cost and they are great to just throw into a stir fry – quick, easy and nutritious.
- Rather than go for the expensive proteins, opt for something cheaper like eggs, beans or tofu.
- Make your own dips; you’ll get more for your money. I love making guacamole which can be very expensive in the shops. Also try your own hummus, salsa or a favourite of mine artichoke pesto – this is also delicious mixed with pasta.
- At the beginning of the week buy a large chicken to roast, the meat will last you at least 3-4 days to use in sandwiches or in stir fries and you can even make a chicken vegetable soup with the left-overs.
- Cook ahead, meals like bolognaise, chicken casseroles, soup can all be frozen to eat later in the week.
Eating healthily doesn’t always have to be expensive! Save some money and start looking after you. I hope you found these tips helpful.
