you’re free to eat a luxurious, satiating, nutritious meal without spending your whole paycheck.
All you need are a few smart shopping secrets.
The first and most important secret?Learn to cook!
Getty Images/Brett Stevens
Registered dietitians say this is absolutely essential to eating healthy on a budget.
Plus, when you cook your own food you always know what youre getting.
No mysterious ingredients or added sugars, just lots of flavor and even more love.
These 11 moreregistered dietitian-approved tips are designed to help you spend less and eat better.
Buy store brand foods.
This is also a great way to find out when your store is having a sale.
Use online coupons and discounts.
It is now possible to load coupons digitally onto your supermarket club card, she says.
And this will save you time, printer ink, and (of course) money!
Shop seasonally.
Oh hey,seasonalfruits and veggies.
Rumsey says these groceries are both more nutritious than their out-of-season counterparts, and more affordable.
Stock up on a bunch andfreeze them for later use.
Splurge on important things that will last.
A bunch of amazing spices?
These are things you actually do want to spend a bit more on.
And try not to shop when youre hungry.
The best way to avoid accidental hungry shopping?
Keep asnackin your bag at all times.
Include more plant-based proteins in your weekly meal plan.
Another affordable protein option Pine loves?
Its found in the freezer section and contains aboutnine grams of protein per 1/2 cup, she says.
Plus, in my opinion, it makes a great snack.
Plan for smaller portion sizes.
This is a great plan of attack if you eat a lot of meat-based proteins.
Use canned food when you could (no pun intended).
Canned and dried beans are budget-friendly and will last in your pantry for months, says Rumsey.
Another great canned item?
Pine likes to stock up on canned salmon in particular and use it in salads and salmon cakes.
Theyre just as tasty [and less pricy] than crab cakes, she says.
Stock up on things when theyre on sale.
You may end up spending more in the moment, but Pine assures us that its worth it.
The freezer is your best friend.
Generally speaking,most food can last in the freezer for a few weeks or months.
Pine recommends using yours to store leftover proteins and produce.
She also likes to use her freezer to save any produce thats about to go bad.
Its also extra helpful when you need a super-speedy meal.
