A little planning can help you get the most nutrition for your food budget. Here are some tips to help you eat right and save money:
- Plan your meals and snacks for the week.
- Look for recipes that use nutritious, low-cost foods like:
- seasonal produce;
- beans, peas, and lentils;
- sweet or white potatoes;
- eggs;
- peanut butter;
- canned salmon or tuna;
- grains such as oats, brown rice, or quinoa; and
- frozen or canned fruits and vegetables.
- Check your refrigerator and cabinets for foods you may already have, then make a shopping list. With a list in hand, you’ll be less likely to buy extra items.
- Prepare meals in advance to help reduce waste. You can start as soon as you get home by cooking meats, and dicing fruits and vegetables. Munch as you go and pop the rest in the fridge.
- Finally, save your food scraps in an airtight container. Composting can help you save money on trash disposal. It’s also one of the best things you can do for the environment.