Eating a nutritious diet is the first step to improving your overall health and well-being. Unfortunately, healthy food is often significantly more expensive than unhealthy options. It can be difficult and demotivating to try to improve your diet when it’s cheaper and more convenient to grab something unhealthy. These tips will help you balance your budget while eating healthy, nutrient-rich foods.

1) Meal Prep

Preparing your food in advance is remarkably less expensive than buying similar pre-made products. Since the food can be frozen, you can often buy in bulk to save even more money. Set aside one day a week to prepare your meals. You will be able to save time during the week by having food ready to go, and it eliminates the stress of trying to plan a healthy meal after a long day at work.

2) Frozen Fruits and Vegetables

Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables are essential to a healthy diet, but you might find that fresh produce is pricey. Prices can also vary greatly depending on the season and your location. Consider choosing frozen fruits and vegetables as a cheaper alternative. Contrary to popular belief, freezing produce does not decrease nutritional value.

3) Food To Go

Eating out is far more expensive than eating at home. With a growing focus on healthy eating, many restaurants are offering healthier foods at a markup from their other options. Try to cut back on your fast food and delivery purchases to cushion your budget and save money for healthy purchases at the grocery store. When it can’t be avoided, do some research online to find the cheapest options for eating out.

4) Keep a Food Log

Every time you go to the grocery shopping, write down what you bought and how much each item costs. In time, you will be able to compare your purchases to discover what’s raising your bill. Use this time to research alternative brands and options that might be less expensive. After a few weeks of keeping track of your food bill, you should be able to gain insight on what foods you should cut back on.

Eating healthy is difficult on a tight budget, but it’s not impossible. Use these tips to feel better and lose weight without breaking the bank. Start by trying out your own meal prep to eliminate the cost of prepared food that’s easy to grab in a rush. Switch to frozen fruits and vegetables if your produce bill is becoming unmanageable. You can choose healthy options while eating out, but be aware of the high price tags on nutritious foods. Keeping records of your grocery bills will help you determine what areas of your shopping list need adjustment.