How To Diet On A Budget

With the recession aftereffects still looming large, a palatial diet chart is the last thing on our minds. However, splurging money is not a prerequisite to eating like a king. The fragile economic recovery calls for a smart way of spending money on our diet. Quite often, we’ve heard experts claiming that eating healthy doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive. However, it always seems like fast foods are a quick and cheap option to satiate the hunger pangs. The very thought of getting sucked by grocery merchandising tricks or falling into a mealtime rut, eating the same old food every day drives you crazy. Nonetheless, a pragmatic, carefully thought of strategy can actually do the trick. Moreover, the best part is you are in control of your own kitchen. So, if you cook smart, you can enjoy a great meal at a reasonable price. Here are few suggestions for you to plan your food budget wisely:

 

It may seem quite a contradiction to think of spending more money in order to save it. However, believe it or not, buying healthy food staples in bulk is a long-term saving idea. Visit a warehouse store near your place and purchase the basic items of every day use like spices, grains, cereals and fresh as well as frozen fruits and vegetables in large quantities. This way you can save a reasonable amount on your grocery bill. 

 

Quite often, while strolling through the big retail grocery stores, you are tempted to head straight for the pre-packaged products. At times, even the hefty price tags don’t seem to bother you. However, it’s time to grease your elbow. Marinating a piece of chicken, peeling and slicing potatoes or chopping lettuce is not a real big deal. Plus, you will be amazed to see your savings by indulging in these not-so-big household works.

 

The quickest way to fall off the diet wagon is to eat the same thing over and over again. Remember, eating right by no means is equivalent to eating the same old stuff over and over again. The need of the hour is to experiment with healthier alternatives, without going adrift of the diet plan. So, if you are tired of munching cabbage leaves, go for broccoli or maybe carrot. Ask your grocer to recommend a budget-friendly, healthy alternative to some of your vegetable, grain, and protein diet staples.

 

How about becoming a member of the store from where you purchase your daily stuff? Not only will you be offered occasional discounts, but you would also enjoy better services. Plus, being a member you would be given preference amongst the rest, when it comes to enjoying special offers. So, the next time you head to the store, make sure you have a word with the customer service personnel and get yourself a membership card. 

It is very important to make a wise choice when out for shopping, even if it means grocery shopping. This would not only help you make the right choice, but also help you take an informed decision. Moreover, always make it a point to shop with a list, so that you buy what you need and not what you want. Look around to find the less expensive brands on grocery shelves, often very similar to higher-priced brand names though packaged under different labels.

Buy fresh fruits and vegetables when they are in season. This would mean you would get the best of stuff at affordable rates.The best part of this method is you can indulge in a healthy diet, without being bereft of your hard earned money. In case you wish to have fruits and veggies out of season stuff, go for the “frozen” aisle which would cost you a fraction.

 

Gone are the days when healthy food meant eating bland stuff. Today, eating right is not compromised with eating boring stuff. Add flavor to you tasteless dishes with the help of sauces and condiments. This will not only serve you a nice meal, but it would also suppress your frequent cravings to visit a restaurant.

 

Have a soft corner for gardening? Make it into a full-fledged hobby indulgence. Growing your own fruits and vegetables is by far the cheapest way to get them. It is an age-old way to reduce your food bill. Producing organic food and stretching your muscles at the same time is not a bad idea after all!