How to Eat Healthy on a Budget

When you're strapped for money the last thing you want to worry about is how you're going to eat healthy. Happily, good food doesn't have to cost more. Follow the steps below to eat better for less.

Instructions

1. Plan out your grocery trips. Know what food you're getting in advance and compile a list so you won't forget. This will prevent you from purchasing something because it looks good and not because its cheap and healthy. In addition, this helps you form a general food budget.

2. Keep dishes simple to stay in your budget. Fixings for food like salad, sandwiches and pasta are inexpensive and healthy, as long as you don't consume them in huge quantities. Generally, the more complicated your menu, the more ingredients you'll need.

3. Buy produce that can be used for more than one meal. One package of tomatoes can be used in a salad, on a sandwich and with spaghetti. By buying produce that has more than one use, you prevent waste and give yourself more options.

4. Budget for your snack food. Keeping trail mix, carrot sticks or yogurt in your fridge will keep you away from more expensive, unhealthy foods.

5. Make your own simple dressing and sauces. Olive oil, lemon juice, herbs and garlic tossed with pasta makes for a tasty, inexpensive gourmet meal. Look for similar alternatives.

6. Limit your intake of alcohol and fast food. Eating at home more often and preparing the meals yourself results in eating less salt, trans fat, calories and preservatives. It also costs much less.