Diet hacks to save money
While it may seem that eating clean whole foods makes the grocery bill more expensive, this does not have to be the case. There are a number of options available at the grocery store to save money.
Buy store brand. Canned goods, frozen vegetables, and even milk are usually available in name brands such as Green Giant and Fair Life, but when reaching for the store brand, it can save anywhere from $0.25 to more than $1. That $0.25 can add up quickly when purchasing more than one product, like canned beans or bags of frozen broccoli.
Buy produce in season. Everyone knows apples are primarily harvested in the fall, and cherries and melons are harvested in the summer. It is possible to save money by stocking up on fresh produce when it is in season and typically cheaper. It can then be frozen or used to make canned goods like salsa, spaghetti sauce, and applesauce.
Simple swaps can make meals healthier
Every meal should contain a balance of macronutrients, protein, carbohydrates, and fat. The key to choosing carbohydrates for a meal is fiber content. Fiber is very important for keeping the gut regulated and aiding in feeling fuller longer.
Switching out rice for riced cauliflower may be more expensive, but it is healthier. One thing that can be done to enhance the healthiness of a meal is to mix riced cauliflower and rice or other grains like quinoa to save money and add more vitamins and fiber to a meal.
Another simple swap is using non-fat Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. This works in every recipe whether it is tacos or cake. Greek yogurt is high in protein, and selecting a non-fat Greek yogurt provides the availability to use the fat elsewhere, like cheese!
Why eating clean will save money
Eating clean, whole foods and cooking at home more than eating out will save money both immediately and over time. It does not just save money on the grocery bill though.
Well-balanced, nutritious meals take longer for the body to digest, ensuring satiety levels do not plummet. This means not reaching for a snack one hour after lunch. It can also ensure that the digestive system works properly and help maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which has been shown to impact almost every other part of the body.
A clean, well-balanced diet has also been shown to positively impact weight control and general wellness. [2] Improving wellness can contribute to lower healthcare bills. Many health conditions of concern, such as diabetes and high cholesterol, can be managed with diet if caught early. E
[1] Villanueva-Millán, M.J., Pérez-Matute, P. & Oteo, J.A. Gut microbiota: a key player in health and disease. A review focused on obesity. Journal of Physiology and Biochemistry. 2015: 71, 509–525. Doi: 10.1007/s13105-015-0390-3 Times Cited=176. Journal Impact Factor=4.158
[2] Dragoni, D. Diet, Health, and Wellness. Journal of Nutritional Health and Food Engineering. 2015: 2(5).
