How to…eat healthy on a budget!

Eating healthy can be expensive, trying to find the best produce, protein shakes, bars, nuts, seeds…the list is endless. But it doesn’t have to break the bank.  If you want to eat healthier, but don’t want to take out a loan to do so, then this guide is for you.

1. Cook at home

It’s so tempting and easy to order in, and eat out in Dubai, even if it’s healthy.  But regularly picking up that phone to get your food delivered soon adds up.  This tip is about getting into good habits.  Make it a good habit to cook at home. Plan ahead, so you’re not tempted to order in at the last minute. You will save money, time and calories.

2. Plan & prepare

Planning your meals for the week, is the best way to not only eat healthier, but to also save the pennies. There are so many websites to help you prep and plan. We recommend pinchofnom.com.  Make your shopping list and plan a weekly menu that you can look forward to.

3. Cupboard check

Before you place your shopping order and plan your weekly meals, have a quick look in the cupboards and fridge, see what you have left over, and what you can use the following week.  This will save you money, and also help to avoid unnecessary food waste.

4. Shop around the edges

Did you know that most supermarkets tend to place their whole foods around the edges of the store?  This is where you will find all the fresh food for healthy, home cooking. The middle of the shop tends to have the most processed foods. Not the healthiest, and often more expensive. 

5. High & Low!

Whilst we are on the subject of supermarkets, we encourage you to look at the higher and lower shelves for your food items.  Eye level is where markets tend to place the most expensive items, to draw you into spending more money.

6. Avoid Hunger Shopping!

I am sure we are all guilty of this at some point. Shopping online or in the store when you have those hunger pangs, isn’t a good idea.  You will be more tempted to impulse buy, and reach for the easy, processed foods. As they are most likely not on your shopping list, it will also put a bigger dint in your budget too!  Try to have something nutritious in your tummy before you shop to avoid hunger buying!

7. Whole = Cheaper

On the whole, foods that have been untouched and are not processed are usually cheaper. A block of cheese for example is cheaper than shredded cheese. Whole foods are often sold in larger quantities too, so we advise buying whole foods to make sure that you get more for your money.

8. Cook in batches

This top tip can save you time and money, components we would all like more of!  Cooking batches of your favourite meals, means you can freeze portions for another time.  Future dinners or lunches.  This is another way of stopping you reaching for your phone to order in when you’ve not planned your evening meal.

9. Frozen First

Because fresh fruits, berries and some vegetables are only in season for a few months of the year, when supermarkets get this stock in, it can be really expensive; and with produce prices set to rise globally this year, why not go frozen instead?  Frozen food is generally just as nutritious, cheaper and can be bought in bulk!  Best of all you can keep it in your freezer, avoiding food waste when those strawberries go fluffy at the back of the fridge. 

10. Push pause on processed foods

Typically processed foods are more expensive than fresh, as you’re also paying for the process of getting the food…well processed! Along with their lack of nutrients, they are usually high in added sugars and flavourings.  You end up spending more on processed produce, leaving less for the healthier, fresh foods!

By making a small change today, could help a healthier you tomorrow, and it doesn’t have to break the bank.