How to eat well on the cheap

With food delivery services at our finger tips, the rising popularity of juice cleanses, and an endless stream of fad diets, eating healthy can feel expensive.

Here’s the thing—eating well doesn’t have to break the bank. All it takes is a little pre-planning and maybe a trip to the local farmers’ market or a peek at the flyer before heading to the grocery store.

We’ve put together our top tips and tricks for eating well on a budget this summer:

• Oatmeal is a great option for a hearty breakfast. One big bag is cheap and can last for months!
• Buying local doesn’t have to be expensive. If you buy fruit and vegetables while they’re in season, you’ll end up saving and eating fresher produce.
• Learning to eat seasonally benefits the environment, your health, and your bank account. It’s a win-win-win. The increased supply of produce will allow for reduced costs, meaning you can get the most bang for your buck when you choose seasonal fruits and vegetables.
• Search for things that will fill you up and keep you full. A bag of potato chips—though delicious—won’t keep you full for long. Opt for foods with a little more staying power.
• Chop your veggies and get in the habit of other meal-prep tasks. You’ll be amazed how much you can save with a little planning and prep work. This is especially helpful for lunches and it means you’re not stopping for expensive last-minute meals when you’re on the go.
• Stocking up on beans and lentils is a good idea, too. If you don’t know how to cook them or include them in a meal, just do a quick Google search. The great thing about the internet is you can find quick and easy recipes for just about anything.