Don’t you love the moment your checking out at the grocery with a cart full of healthy food and you realize your bill has doubled. Here are some tips for eating low carb on a budget.
We’ve all been there. Asking ourselves why we decide to jump on the good nutrition train after realizing how much it would cost you to make that switch. Don’t quit just yet! When it comes to eating healthy it’s important to make sure your building a community of fellow green lovers so you can soak up all the tips for eating low carb on a budget.
Making the switch to healthy eating doesn’t have to be hard and it doesn’t have to break the bank. The thing it does require is smart thinking. After seven years of living the Paleo lifestyle, I’m happy to say, i’ve snagged some tips along the way and I couldn’t be happier to share them with my fellow healthy eater.
Here are just a few tips
BUY IN BULK, but it’s OK to start out small
Let me explain this one real quick. Making sure to buy in large quantities can be key when it comes to cooking with fresh foods. Buying in bulk saves you money and gives you more food in the long run. Costco is my favorite place to stock up. They offer a variety of organic, whole foods that are perfect for someone wanting to make the switch. I love to buy in bulk, because I love to cook and freeze. If your just starting out and learning to cook with fresh ingredients, buying small is the way to go. It can become easy to get overwhelmed when starting. The key is to know your meals and take it week by week. Making sure to utilize everything you buy so the waste is minimum.
Meal Planning is key
Make sure to think smart on this one. Have a plan in the kitchen or plan to fail. Cooking can be the most time consuming part of good nutrition, but when we have an idea of what we are making each day, that gives us the ability to prep ahead of time. Sit down and right out on paper the meal you would like to cook. REMEMBER: you don’t have to have a new meal for every meal of the day, each day. Which takes me to my next tip.
Utilize leftovers
It’s amazing the amount of food we waste here in the U.S. Most people toss food because it has a dark spot or toss out remaining portions, because they don’t feel like eating the same thing. Overtime I’ve worked hard to change my mindset. Look at food differently. Recognizing that each part of the fruit, vegetable or meat can be utilized for something. Learning to eat leftovers has been our biggest money savor yet!
Ditch the unhealthy snacks
You cannot make the switch to buy healthy food and continue to buy the foods you use to eat or you will come to find your grocery bill will be outrageous. You must pick a side. Don’t get me wrong , we all have our snack we like to enjoy and I get that, but if you are purchasing $100 worth of junk food plus all your healthy food you will spend a fortune. Allowing ourselves to hold on to what we need to let go of cost us more money and sets us up to continue in our old habits of unhealthy eating.
Shop at multiple stores
If you are a one store kind of person, it’s time to let go of that thinking. This tip goes right along with having a plan. Know what stores in your community have the best prices. Make sure you know what products they carry and price match. Some carry more organic products, some except amazon prime or coupons. Some may deliver for the same price. Here are just a few to get you started.
Costco – A wonderful selection of organic products plus bulk product
Aldi – Cheap prices for healthy foods
Whole foods – Discounts for showing your Amazon Prime
Thrive Market – Cheap prices on specific ingredients and foods, such as , Gluten free, Dairy free, Paleo or Whole30 plus they deliver right to your door step!
Don’t let living healthy become overwhelming. The journey can bring joy, peace and satisfaction, but you have to change your mindset and be willing to put in the work.
Check out some low carb options
Homemade Spaghetti Sauce with Zoodles