A very common excuse I hear when contemplating a healthier lifestyle is that it’s too expensive. That health foods cost more and there is no way they’d be able to keep up with food shopping if it costs more every week! But I’m here to tell you that, it’s just not the case! There are so many options of food stores you can shop at that won’t cost an arm and a leg like Trader Joes, Aldi and Costco, my personal favorites. There are also lots of tips to get you and your family eating healthy on a budget.

Here are some budget friendly tips to help you on your journey to healthy eating!

Shop in season produce: Fruits and Veggies are more cost effective when eaten in season. There is an abundance and grocery stores or farmers markets keep the cost low to meet the supply. This will also allows you a variety of fruits and veggies throughout the year and if you are really craving strawberries during the winter months – check out the frozen section and grab yourself a bag!

Meal Plan: This may be the toughest tip to eating healthy on a budget but it has the biggest pay off. If you spend one night a week planning your meals it will make grocery shopping quick and easy, it will allow you to know your budget and prepares you and your family for what is to come during meal times. If this is something you normally struggle with the Dashing Dish App makes it very easy AND it even sends your grocery list to the food store so all you need to do is pick it up! Now how easy is that?!?

Pack your own lunch and snacks: Whether you work away from home or travel it is always best to pack your own lunch and snacks. It will cost less than eating out for every meal and helps you with healthy eating. If you enjoy snacking you can purchase items in bulk and divide them up for each day, you can also pack the same lunch for each day. However, if you like variety choose 2 lunch meals and rotate those every other day. Still allows you to meal prep and just provide enough variety so you don’t get bored at lunch!

Stay in & limit eating out: This tip is a huge money and calorie savor. Let’s face it when we are hungry we typically go for convenience or cost effective and that doesn’t leave us with a ton of healthy options. So just remember to stick with only eating out a few times a month and plan ahead of time. You can always pull up the menu prior to arriving so you can see what the best options for you are, this way there are no surprises and you won’t be tempted to over order.

Have a Meatless meal: I love incorporating a Meatless Monday in our household. It saves some money when I’m grocery shopping because meat forms of protein can be costly and there are a variety of meals that are just as satisfying and protein packed. Beans and lentils are great options!

While eating on a budget doesn’t always feel like it’s doable, it totally is! Just like everything else you do in life it requires you to be intentional, prayerful and persistent.Eating healthy has so many benefits for you and your family that it’s time to make your eating habits a priority!