Eating whole foods can nourish your body and help you maintain a healthy weight. According to ShareCare, men should ideally weigh 106 pounds at five feet tall and add six pounds for every additional inch. If the cost of groceries makes it hard for you to eat healthy foods, here are a few money-saving tips.
Create a Grocery List
You’ll buy foods you don’t need when you shop without a plan. Some of the foods you buy may even go to waste. By putting together a grocery list, you can ensure you make the most of your budget. While creating a list will help you avoid impulse purchases, you’ll get even better results if you put together a meal plan. That way, you can make meals that use similar ingredients. You can avoid last-minute shopping trips and make nutritious meals for less.
Eat Teeth-Friendly-Foods
In addition to ensuring that your body gets the nutrients it needs, you should ensure you’re eating foods that are good for your teeth. According to Humana, adults make up around 25% of people with braces! Fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber promote good oral health, as do foods that boost saliva production, like cheese. Try to limit your consumption of foods that damage teeth. If you eat sugary or sticky foods, brush your teeth immediately. Be aware that some beverages, like coffee and red wine, can stain your teeth if you drink them regularly.
Pay Attention to the Price per Unit
The item with the lowest price isn’t always the best deal. Even if one item costs more than another, you’ll get more for less if it has a lower price per gram or ounce. Calculating the price per unit will help you find bargains at the grocery store. That said, you shouldn’t buy everything you need in bulk. Before buying a larger item, check the expiration date. Consider how long it’ll take to use up the item. Make sure you’ll be able to use up products before they expire.
Start Shopping Your Pantry
Instead of spending money on groceries, see if you can make healthy meals with items you have at home! A quick browse of your pantry may reveal many usable items. If you check your pantry before you go to the grocery store, you may be able to cross some items off your list, leaving you with more money to spend on fresh produce, fish, and more. Set aside time to take inventory of your pantry. Keep your pantry organized to find items before they go bad. You’ve already spent money on the items in your pantry, so you should ensure you can use them.
Sign Up for Mailing Lists
Nutritious foods are often expensive, but if you shop smart, you can score amazing deals on your favorite healthy brands. Many brands send out coupons to the people on their mailing lists. Brands may also offer special discounts on social media. Learn to recognize products from the brands you love. According to a study from the University of Loyola, color can boost brand recognition by as much as 80%, so you should pay close attention to colors and logos. Once you’re on a brand’s radar, you’ll receive plenty of coupons to help you save.
Don’t Be Afraid of Frozen Food
If you struggle to afford fresh fruits and vegetables, buy frozen ones! Produce is frozen when it’s fresh, so frozen goods are an excellent source of nutrients. Frozen products are affordable and will last for months or more. Canned food can also be a good option if you have limited space, but you should check labels before purchasing. Some canned foods are high in sodium or sugar. Look for low-sodium items that contain little-to-no sugar.
Affording healthy groceries is easier than you think. Don’t let your budget keep you from enjoying nutritious foods. Use these tips to buy whole foods at the best possible price.
