5
RETHINK YOUR PROTEIN. Protein-packed foods like eggs, beans and lentils, peanut butter, and cottage cheese will keep you satisfied at a fraction of the cost of meat. When you do buy meat, look for the cheaper cuts like bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks, ground turkey, and bone-in pork chops.
6
BUY FROZEN. Your freezer is one of your best budget-friendly tools. Stock it with a variety of frozen fruits and vegetables – from broccoli and cauliflower to mango and peaches – and you’ll always have nutritious produce on hand. Not only will you eat more fruits and veggies, but you’ll also avoid throwing away fresh produce that’s past its prime.
7
BUY CANNED FOOD TOO! Canned foods often get a bad rap, but there’s no need to fear this economical option. Canned salmon and sardines are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids; just be sure to look for wild-caught, sustainably harvested fish. Other healthy canned items include beans, diced or whole tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
9
EAT YOUR LEFTOVERS. They may be far from glamorous, but it’s time to embrace leftovers. Cooking larger meals like soups, casseroles, and pasta saves you time and money, and you’ll have plenty left over for lunches throughout the week. With fully cooked meals at the ready, you’ll be less likely to order out when mid-day hunger strikes.
8
KNOW WHEN TO BUY ORGANIC. We’ve been conditioned to believe that organic is always the best choice, but that’s not actually the case. As a general rule, buy organic fruits and vegetables if you’ll eat the skin, like apples, strawberries, and bell peppers. On the other hand, you can skip organic foods that you peel – like bananas and avocados – as they have low levels of detectable pesticides.
10
DITCH EXPENSIVE DRINKS. This one’s easy. Purchasing beverages like fruit juices, soda, and sports drinks weekly can really add up, but these products do little to promote satiety. Stick to water, and you’re sure to notice a dip in your grocery bill. And if you have to have your daily juice, try diluting it with water. You’ll save money and cut out sugar at the same time! HS
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