With the cost of food rising, it’s hard not to notice that some of the healthier choices we can make with food, cost more than their unhealthy counterparts. Organic foods cost more than inorganic. Lean meats cost more than cheaper cuts. Whole grains cost more than highly processed white flour products, white rice, and other refined grains. Fresh vegetables and fruits have gotten very expensive. Butter is more expensive than margarine, and never mind the trans-fat-and-saturated-fat-free-healthy-alternative! Here are a few quick tips to help you reduce your costs while still eating healthy food.
Look for food co-operatives, bulk food stores, ethnic grocery stores, and farmer’s markets or open markets in your area. Often their prices for vegetables, fruits, whole grains and cheeses are much less expensive than at supermarkets. Be careful though, if you find a place that requires membership -- include the cost of that membership in your total food costs before you compare.
Purchase fewer prepared foods. This goes for meals, snacks, everything. Learn to make for yourself.
Buy in-season, local produce as much as possible. Shipping food in from another continent significantly adds to your costs.
Add more beans and whole grains to your diet. Think about the proportions of food you eat and calculate your cost per meal of some of your favorite meals. Meals where meat or other pricey foods are the main ingredient will of course cost more than meals where they are used more like a condiment.
Check your fresh foods at least once a week and your pantry foods at least once a month and use up the oldest food before it spoils. Quite a significant portion of our food spoils without our ever eating it. Keeping on top of the food you have and storing it properly can save you as much as 30% on your budget.
Whether you are an apartment dweller or own your own home, you can probably grow some of your own food during at least part of the year, even if it is only herbs on the windowsill. Give it a try and enjoy. Gardening is fun!
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