Eat Healthier and do it Sensibly

Often people feel as though they can’t eat healthy because it is too expensive.  Sometimes it can be, but it doesn’t have to be.  You can eat healthier and do it sensibly.

Allow me to tell you about some of the many stores where you can find healthier eats.

1. Wholesale Warehouses (Samsclub, Bj’s, Costco’s) – These businesses sell products in bulk at very reasonable prices.  You can find value packs of high-quality meats/seafood and large packages of fresh vegetables/fruits.  They have gallons of healthy natural oils, large containers of herbs/spices, and nuts.  Be sure to visit their frozen foods section and grab some of their vegetables and fruit which cost less per portion and stores longer than fresh would.  This is also a great place to grab your vitamins/supplements as well in large quantity.  While at your wholesale warehouse, you should also check out their reasonably priced appliances which can make this health journey a little easier.
2. Walmart – You can normally find the same items in a Super Walmart that you can at Samsclub, but a smaller quantity.
3. Aldi’s – If you’ve never been to Aldi’s, check them out as soon as possible.  They have a gluten free products, a large amount of fresh/frozen vegetables and fruit as well as grass-fed/pastured/organic meats.  They are frequently adding more healthy products.
4. Trader Joes & Whole Foods – These two stores not only have the high-quality meats and fresh fruit/vegetables but have lots of other allergen-free products.  Trader Joes has definitely been more reasonable but Whole Foods prices have reportedly decreased once Amazon took over the company.  Whole Foods also has a larger variety than Trader Joe’s.
5. Hmart or Your Local Asian Market(s) – These markets are great places to find any type of fresh vegetable, fruit, and herbs which you can purchase as you see fit. You could buy 1 or 2 of an item or as many pounds as you’d like.
6. Local Supermarkets (Wegmans/Shoppers/Weis/Giant’s/Safeway/Etc) – Just keep an eye out for their sales and drop in and grab your treasures.  Stack up during that sale.
7. ThriveMarket – Online Health Market.
8. Amazon – Make sure to compare prices.
9. Buy from Local Farmers or Farmer’s Markets when in season.
10. Don’t forget the frozen vegetables/fruits.  (This bears repeating.)

There are plenty of ways to save money while eating healthy.  Here are some tips:

• When purchasing in bulk…you can find a family member or friend to go half with you.  You can also meal prep by cooking large batches and either store meal portions in the refrigerator to eat within a couple of days or freeze meal/portions to consume within the next 1-3 months.  Depending on the product, use what you want now and put the rest in the freezer.
• Purchase whole foods.  They will often be cheaper than processed foods.
• Purchase vegetables and fruit when in season.
• Purchase the cheaper cuts of protein.
• Drink water but stop buying bottled water.  Get a Brita or other type of water filter for your tap water.  Use fruit, vegetables, and/or herbs to infuse your water for drinking instead of soda or fruit juices.
• Clip coupons.
• Stop eating out.  Prepare your own food and bring your breakfast/lunch/dinner, snacks and drinks from home.  You can also just eat before leaving home if you won’t be gone for too long.
• Grow your own food.
• Before going to the market/store, be sure to have a list and eat at home first. While there, stick to your list.
• Buy cheaper proteins like eggs, ground meats, liver (yes liver), chicken thighs; etc.

Hopefully, some, if not all of these tips will help you spend a little less in your journey of increasing your health.  Feel free to comment your favorite ways below.

What is your most economical way of eating healthy?