Many people in Mt. Airy, are feeling the budget pinch of inflation. They often give up any hope of dieting, believing it costs too much to eat healthy. Luckily, that belief is unfounded. Eating healthier is often LESS expensive than choosing the alternative. A meal for two at a fast food restaurant can cost over $30. A healthier option you make at home can cost as little as $10 if you follow a weekly meal plan. It’s healthier and lower in calories.
It’s all about planning.
Meal planning can reap huge benefits and doesn’t have to take a lot of time. We even provide recipes. It takes knowledge, but we can help you with that. Plan a week’s meals one day. Make a shopping list, checking your cupboard so you don’t duplicate supplies. Cook for the week on your day off and pack it in individual serving sizes for the week. Some protein sources, such as chicken, can be used for several meals in different ways. Baked chicken breasts, chicken Florentine, chicken paella, chicken salad, and chicken vegetable soup are a few examples.
Not everything has to come straight from the garden.
Most people often think fresh produce is the healthiest option, but that’s not always true. It’s the least processed but not always the freshest. Much of the produce in groceries is picked early and allowed to ripen on its long trip to grocery shelves and in the produce bin several days before you purchase it. They pick frozen vegetables at peak freshness and immediately take them to an onsite processing facility where they freeze or can it. Frozen vegetables are less expensive than fresh and often more nutritious. The canned options without additives are almost as nutritious and even cheaper. Use both to cut costs.
Using vegetarian protein options, like quinoa or beans for other meals also cuts the cost.
In many cases, the source of protein for a meal determines the cost of the meal. While steak is delicious, it’s not the only good source of protein. Chicken and chicken breasts aren’t either. To keep the cost of protein down, include a meatless Monday in your meal. Beans, lentils, and quinoa are good sources of protein that you can combine to create a healthy main dish. Canned tuna offers savings. Eggs, cottage cheese, and yogurt also do.
- You don’t have to throw anything away when you plan. You can use leftover veggies for snacks or soups. The same is true for leftover chicken, beans, or other meats. Wasting food is like burning money.
- Wash and cut fruit and vegetables immediately. Some can be snacks or as an addition to salads. You’ll be more likely to snack on prepared produce, saving calories.
- Every time you spend less on groceries, put that money away for a big splurge of steak, lobster, or other indulgence.
- We can help you plan your meals. You’ll learn healthy options and even receive recipes. Find your favorite meals and double the recipes, freezing the extra for future weeks or emergencies.
For more information, contact us today at Urban Athlete