Nutritious Meals on a Budget: How to Eat Healthy for Less

Eating healthy and on a budget doesn’t have to be an oxymoron. With careful planning, creating delicious and nutritious meals for the whole week is possible without breaking the bank. At first, it can feel daunting. With these tips, you can quickly plan weekly meals for less than $50!

eating nutritious meals and doing meal prep

Stock up on staples like grains and legumes. Get creative with leftovers. Learn how to make the most of your grocery budget. Still, eat balanced and nutritious meals for your wallet and health. Here’s all you need to know about it!

How to Make Weekly Meals on a Budget

Making meals has shifted a lot in the past, with all the new kitchen gadgets and ways of cooking. So, I won’t lie to you. There is a bit of a learning curve. This is to be expected when training yourself to do something new. It takes a minute to get in the habit. You tweak things along the way. It would help if you put in time and energy to plan your meals. I can tell you honestly that nutritious meals supersede the energy you put into them.

1. Start by making a grocery list

Make a list of items you need for the week. Check your pantry before heading out to shop. This way, you don’t buy anything unnecessary. Shopping on a budget can be daunting. But it is possible to eat healthy and save money at the same time with the right approach. Planning will help you organize and make sure you are not wasting food or getting carried away when shopping. Start by writing down all the ingredients needed for each meal throughout the week. Then, create a shopping list based on those items for your nutritious meals.

2. Stick with budget-friendly ingredients

Sticking to a budget of $50 weekly for groceries can be challenging. Nevertheless, it’s possible with thoughtful planning. Use intelligent shopping strategies. Here are some tips to help you stick with budget-friendly ingredients for nutritious meals:

Ingredients you can manage for under 50 dollars a week.

Rice and beans – both are very inexpensive, nutritious, and versatile.

Oats are a great source of fiber and protein. They can be used in breakfast bowls and baking recipes.

Frozen vegetables are often discounted. Buy them at these prices to get the most bang for your buck while ensuring your meals are nutritious!

Eggs – a fantastic source of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals – plus affordable too!

Canned tuna, salmon, and chicken make easy meals with rice or pasta. Just be sure to check labels for added sodium content before you buy!

Bananas & apples– both fruits are budget-friendly options. They give essential vitamins and minerals to keep you going throughout the day, making for nutritious meals!

Shop the sales:

Look at what’s on sale each week. Plan meals around those items to save money on groceries. Make sure the meals stay nutritious.

Choose store-brand products:

Store-brand products are usually cheaper than name brands. They are of the same sound quality. Stock up when possible and guarantee your meals are still nutritious.

Use frozen foods:

Frozen fruits and vegetables can be a great way to get more bang for your buck. They often last longer than fresh produce. They don’t need more preparation time or ingredients that must be purchased separately (like dressings), ensuring your meals stay nutritious.

Plan:

Planning meals lets you make sure that all the ingredients needed for a recipe are accounted for. You can do this without having to buy extra items that are not used later. This helps keep costs low throughout the week while ensuring all your meals are nutritious!

With your local farmer’s market or grocery store.

Plan meals around seasonal produce:

Once you know what’s in season, plan your meals around those ingredients. If it’s fall and apples are in season, consider making apple crisp. You can also make apple pie for dessert as part of your nutritious meals.

Shop at farmer’s markets:

Farmer’s markets often offer a great choice of seasonal produce at affordable prices. You’ll also be supporting local farmers while securing ingredients for your nutritious meals.

Use recipes:

Look up recipes that use the in-season ingredients you have available. You can find recipes online or in cookbooks. This will help you use up your ingredients and prevent food waste while ensuring all your meals are nutritious.

Shop smart:

When shopping for groceries, stick to your list and avoid impulse buys. Choose fresh, in-season produce on sale or at a reasonable price. Consider buying frozen or canned produce if it’s more affordable than fresh. This ensures you have all the ingredients for nutritious meals.

3. Buy in bulk when possible

Buying in bulk can be a great way to save money on groceries while ensuring you can prepare nutritious meals. But it’s essential to do it wisely. Do not spend more than you can afford. Here are some tips to help you buy in bulk, when possible, on a budget of $50 per week:

Make a list:

Before you head to the store, list the items you need to buy in bulk. Stick to the essentials like rice, beans, oatmeal, pasta, and canned goods, as these are great for making nutritious meals. Don’t buy items you won’t use often, even if they’re on sale.

Check the unit price:

When comparing bulk items, look at the unit price to decide the most cost-effective choice. The unit price tells you how much an item costs per unit of measurement, like per ounce or pound. Choose the lowest unit price to get the most value for your money.

Look for sales:

Check your local store’s sales flyer to see which bulk items are available. This can help you save even more money. If you find a great deal, stock up on non-perishable items. Items like canned vegetables can be part of your nutritious meals and won’t go bad quickly.

Consider buying generic:

Often, generic or store-brand items are cheaper than name-brand items. Check the price per unit. Compare it to the name-brand item to see if you’re getting a good deal. This way, you can still make nutritious meals.

Store properly:

When you get home, store your bulk items appropriately to make sure they last as long as possible. Use airtight containers to keep food fresh. Label them with the date they were purchased. This way, you can track how long they’ve been stored and make sure you have the ingredients for nutritious meals.

4. Plan meals around what is now in season

Planning meals around what is now in season can help you save money on groceries. You can also make sure you get the freshest and most nutritious ingredients. Here are some tips to help you plan nutritious meals around what’s in season with a budget of $50 per week: