Eating Right on a Budget

Marcus left his job a month ago, and the job search is taking longer than we expected. Luckily, we got a good tax return, and we don't live extravagantly, so we have some wiggle room.

That being said, after living expenses, our biggest bill every month is groceries. We try to eat healthy, which can get really expensive really fast. And it's amazing how much a little 20-pound person can add to your food bill.

Eating everything organic, free range, pastured, grass-fed, etc. is a noble goal, but will drain your bank account fast. You have to decide what's most important to you, what you eat the most of and what you can settle for less-than-ideal on.

For me, I gave up red meat a little over a year ago. Not eating beef saves us money. I would love to eat local, organic free roaming chicken, but that costs about $12 a pound. I've compromised by buying mostly free-range chicken from a local butcher. It is fresh, never frozen, no water or preservatives added. I can talk to the butcher about where the chicken comes from, what they're fed and how they live. That makes me feel better, and it costs about $1.69 per pound.

I also regularly shop at Aldi to get great prices on produce and imported cheese. Aldi has added a lot more natural and organic foods recently as well. Reading labels is always key, especially when you're at more of a discount store.

Most of you know to buy staples in bulk or stock up when your favorites are on special. Here are a few more tips for saving money while not sacrificing health.

1. Eat less meat and more beans and lentils. They make hearty, filling meals for significantly less money. We usually go meatless at least two or three nights a week.

2. Buy fruits and vegetables that are in season. Or grow your own if you can. Shop local for these too. I joined a CSA through a local organic farm and will shop the farmers market this summer.


3. Spend on the organics that are worth it (i.e., the dirty dozen) and buy conventional for others. In general, produce with a thick skin does not need to be organic.

4. Plant your own herb garden to enhance meals and avoid the cost of buying larger amounts of fresh herbs that usually go to waste. (If you're good at this, come plant one for me. I kill all plants.)

5. Buy inexpensive cuts of meat for slow cooker meals or soups/stews. Buy whole or split chickens, and use the leftovers to make broth for soups.

6. Soups are easy to make, and you can usually throw in most vegetables you have on hand (fresh or frozen). Plus, make extra that you can eat for a couple days or freeze. This is great when you have a bunch of stuff about to go bad.

7. Double your recipe and freeze half for an easy meal later.

8. Limit the packaged snacks. They may seem cheaper, but often aren't as satisfying or give you as much bang for your buck as fresh food.

9. Search the websites of your favorite brands for coupons and combine with weekly specials.

10. Limit dining out to spend more on groceries. Try recreating your favorite restaurant meals at home for less.

11. Skip the sodas and other high-calorie drinks. Get a filter and drink tap water.

12. Try frozen vegetables. You can get store brand to save money, and many have similar nutritional value to fresh. Get frozen veggies with no sauces or added salt.

What ways do you save money on healthy foods?