One of the main reasons I hear from clients as to why they struggle with eating healthy is because it’s hard to eat healthily on a budget.

I get it. We all want to save money where we can, especially in these current times.

So I wanted to share some tips with you on how you can eat healthily on a budget.

Is it more expensive to eat healthy or unhealthy?

How do you decide if something is expensive? Is it when you look at the cost of a meal? Do you look at the fact you could get a cheeseburger from a fast-food restaurant for 99p, but to make one, with all the ingredients, would probably cost you around £10.

Buying the ingredients to make a home-cooked meal may cost you more than buying dinner at a drive-thru, but other than the fact a home-cooked meal would be more beneficial for your body, you’ll also likely have leftovers. Another healthy meal is already prepped! When you break down the cost into how many meals you’ll get, you’ll be surprised to find it’s a hell of a lot cheaper than that takeaway!

How can I make healthy food cheaper?

Organic fruit and vegetables

The word organic gets thrown around a lot, but it’s not affordable for everyone. It’s more important to be eating your fruits and veggies. Don’t get too caught up in organic labeling. For more information, you can check out the Environmental Working Group – food news. Every year they create a Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen list. So if I’m budgeting my food I tend to aim for what’s on the dirty dozen list for my organic produce.

You can also check with local farmers and farmers’ markets. Often your local farmer may be growing fruit and vegetables organically, but they can’t afford to pay to be certified organic.

Buy in Season

Another good way is to buy in season. We’re so used to being able to get whatever fruit and veg we want all year round, (I’m looking at you Strawberries in Winter?!) Buying produce that’s in season is not only a cheaper way but it’s great at making sure you’re getting a variety of fruits and vegetables all year round.

Reduced items

I love this one! Check when your local supermarket reduces their produce. My local shop has some great products reduced in the mornings and late afternoon. If something is due to run out that day I’ll buy it at the reduced rate, chop it up, and put it straight in the freezer. Saved for another day at a fraction of the cost! Being frugal is nothing to be ashamed of. Plus I like to think I’ve helped where I can by preventing food waste.

How to use your shopping list for eating healthily on a budget

Make one! Don’t go shopping without a list.

That is the one sure way you’re going to end up mindlessly walking around the supermarket looking at foods to buy. Grabbing offers and coming out with stuff you didn’t want, let alone need. Sound familiar?

Make a shopping list and stick to it. You could even plan your meals and only buy those ingredients. You don’t have to plan it specifically for each day, you can still be spontaneous and eat what you fancy, but try planning for the week. Whatever works best for you.

Only buying what you need also helps reduce your food waste. It’s a win-win!

Health is one thing I believe we should all invest in. I mean if you don’t have your health what do you have?

Food can be an amazing source of love, care, and social time with family and friends. That’s why I love food and meal times for that reason.

It can be a challenge to change your mindset when it comes to thinking about the cost of food. But it doesn’t have to be expensive. There are always ways to cut your food bill, it’s just about being savvy.

Let me know in the comments what you find most expensive when it comes to eating healthily when you’re on a budget.

Budget-friendly recipes:

Easy Vegetable Soup

Warming Roasted Vegetables & Chickpea bowl