When it comes to life management, there are two things that seem like they shouldn’t go together: financial and personal health. On one hand, you want to keep a close eye on your family budget. On the other, you want to ensure the food that you eat keeps you healthy and gives you all the nutrients you need.
Unfortunately, the two seem to be at constant war with one another. Eating healthily can be surprisingly expensive, especially when compared to the convenience junk food that we all know we should avoid. It’s difficult, but not impossible, to ensure a good diet without spending a fortune – you just need a few ideas as to how to manage it.
- Go To Stores As They Close
When an item of produce is nearing its best-before-date, then it’s in the interests of the grocery store to sell it. Rather than throw it away (and thus lose the money invested in it), they will cut the cost close to the date on the packaging. This is best found at the end of the trading day, when you can pick up some huge reductions. If you don’t want to use it immediately, then freeze it until you do – quick, simple, and cost-effective.
- Buy In Bulk
If you have a space in your home that you could give over to storage of bulk items, then it will save you a fortune if you do so. Buying in bulk not only means you can maximize discounts; it also ensures you always have something on hand, so you’re not tempted by quick takeout meals when the fridge is bare. The best discounts are often found online, so make sure you’re visiting the likes of Coupon Sherpa for discount codes and then stock up on anything that you use regularly.
- Grow Your Own
You don’t need a huge garden to be able to grow your own food. Many vegetables – such as corn, cucumber and the not-a-vegetable-but-let’s-say-it-is tomatoes – can be grown in pots. You could even grow them indoors providing they get plenty of sunlight. While it’s unlikely you’ll be able to grow enough to feed the family through the year, the price of seeds makes this a cost-effective way of bulking out meals.
- Go Foraging
Foraging was a necessity for our ancestors; that’s not the case today, but that doesn’t mean it’s not possible. Learn to identify the edible plants and berries you can find in parks and woodlands, then use them for food and syrups. For example, elderberry syrup has health benefits, while nettle soup – when made well – can be considered particularly delicious.
- Write To Companies
If you find a brand or manufacturer of a healthy product that you love, then tell them! Write a quick email or letter saying how much you love their item and how you have told all your friends. It might be ignored, but you also might receive a message in return – along with a few coupons for your trouble. It’s worth a try!
