You probably had an awesome holiday. You rested, ate way too much but enjoyed the break. Now, you’re back to reality and trying to eat healthy but the pocket is not looking that great.
If you’ve got kids, you’re probably preparing for school, not forgetting the eating healthy resolutions you have to implement. All this is enough to make every memory of last month vanish into thin air, leaving you with as much stress as you had just before you took leave last year.
But wait, even though you have about three weeks to go before payday, it doesn’t have to leave you with a holiday-busting burden! Before we look at how to eat healthy on a budget, lets look at two strategies to help you take charge of your money:
1. Budget no matter how little you have left
As logical as this step may seem, very few people actually draw up a budget every month. In fact, a poll by Gallup shows that only 32% of people do while others have a false impression about what a budget really is. Some even think budgeting is only for people who either have too much debt or don’t earn much. However, everyone should budget. To budget, all you have to do is write a list of all your expenses against your income. It’s important to double check that you haven’t left anything off your list otherwise you’ll end up buying things you don’t need.
2. Use apps to help you
Gone are the days when you’d spend hours drawing up a budget. All you have to do now is download an app that will do all the calculations for you! You’ll draw your budget once and edit it every month. Therefore, ensure you have all important expenses entered so that you know exactly how much you have to use for other items. You won’t regret starting a budget, today! Budgeting can save your health!
How to eat healthy on a budget
1. Buy fresh fruit and vegetables:
Fresh fruits and vegetables are usually half the price of frozen. In fact, if you buy in bulk, you can cut them up and freeze them. Furthermore, fresh fruits and veggies are nutrient dense.
2. Buy house brands
Raw foods such as rice, eggs, yoghurt, cottage cheese and milk can save you money especially that which you pay for advertising and packaging.
3. Look out for sales
Take advantage of the January sales. And, instead of shopping based on your weekly meal plan, consider planning your meals around what’s on sale.
4. Prepare your own food
If you want to save money, you’ll create a meal plan and cook all your meals yourself. It will save you a lot of money.
5. Avoid buying processed food
Try to buy oats rather than cereals. Make your own tomato sauce, protein bars… and try to keep it simple. You can also prepare double portions so you have leftovers for lunch.
Follow these tips and you’ll start 2018 with a lot less totally preventable health issues brought about by stress.
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